1. Unit Title Universal Gravitation, Speed of Light, and Special Relativity

2. Student groups will create a research presentation which answers specific questions about “History of Classical Gravitational Theory” and “General Relativity.

3. Students will realize scientific theory and discoveries impact scientific thought and society

4. Guidelines
Each team member must make a definite and documented contribution to the presentation. The role of each student must be clearly stated.
Each team should be prepared to give the presentation.
The presentation must include at least two references from which information is drawn.
Presentation should not exceed 10 minutes.

5. History of Classical Gravitational Theory Questions
Give a brief overview of how gravity and motion of the planets was viewed historically before Newton. Include views of Aristotle, Galileo, and Kepler.

6. History of Classical Gravitational Theory Questions
Generally describe the life and time of Isaac Newton, including his personal life. Describe his major scientific contributions, including his contribution to the theory of gravity.
What was the major contribution of Henry Cavendish to the Universal Law of Gravitation?

7. General Relativity Questions
What role does the equivalence of the inertial and gravitational properties of mass play in the development of general relativity?
How does gravity correspond to the bending of the space-time fabric?
What is the Schwarzschild radius?

8. General Relativity Questions
What are black holes, and are they real?
How does gravity bend light? What is gravitational lensing?
What are worm holes, and are they real?
What predictions of general relativity have been verified, if any?