What makes someone a genius? How do we define the term? What are the benefits of being a genius? What are the pitfalls? How has genius shaped the boundaries of our existence and our history? How do individuals who possess genius contribute, or detract, from society? Mystery Of Genius: Masters and Madmen explores every aspect of these uncommon minds. Leading scholars from the fields of psychology, linguistics, anatomy and education help illuminate the many factors that combine to create this elusive trait, while studies of extraordinary individuals help put their theories into perspective. Mystery Of Genius plumbs the recesses of the human mind. The program also examines the thin line separating brilliance from madness, and the sometimes tragic consequences of crossing this barrier. Mystery of Genius would be useful for classes on World History, World Culture, Science and Technology, Political Science, Psychology, Education and Ethics. It is appropriate for middle school, high school and college.

OBJECTIVES

Students will explore the impact of some of history's greatest minds on world history and culture. They will analyze the role of the genius in society, and the rewards and pain that genius sometimes brings to those who possess it.

NATIONAL HISTORY STANDARDS

Mystery of Genius fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretations, and historical research capabilities for United States History eras 6, 7,8, 9 and 10; World History eras 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

• abject
• ambiance
• animated
• arduous
• crucible
• derision
• eloquence
• elusive
• enigma
• fruition
• gestate
• iconoclast
• inauspicious
• luminaries
• oblivion
• panacea
• precocious
• prolific
• remuneration
• sublime
• taciturn
• vindicate

1. Genius is a common word in our vocabularies. But what is genius? How do you define it? How do you measure it? What are its characteristics?

2. Scientists today are working on artificial intelligence. What is artificial intelligence? What are its implications for the future?

3. Many geniuses have modest beginnings. How did Albert Einstein's early years belie his genius and the impact he would have on the world?

4. Genius sculptor Alonzo Clemons fell in his childhood. How did this fall change his life? How would his life be different if he did not have that tragic accident?

5. Although it may seem like fun to be a genius, geniuses face many challenges. What are some of these challenges? How have these challenges influenced history and culture?

6. Many geniuses face their own demons. What were some of the problems geniuses Ludwig Beethoven and Isaac Newton had to deal with?

7. Describe the tragedy of William Sidis. What is the lesson that his story teaches?

8. Does society bear a responsibility for a gifted child in the same way that it bears a responsibility for a handicapped child?

9. Thomas Edison once said: "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." What does this mean?

10. Genius sometimes appears in the most unlikely places, like the film industry. What did actress Hedy Lamarr contribute to United States defense systems?

11. Kary Mullis once had a flash of brilliance while driving alone on a solitary road. What was this flash and how did it impact the world of science?

12. One of the greatest minds of the 20th century, physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, headed the Manhattan Project. What was the Manhattan Project?

13. Ron Popeil is one of the most prolific inventors of gizmos and gadgets for public consumption. But other inventors also create many inventions. What is Ron Popeil's true genius and talent?

14. What is a kook? Why do some geniuses qualify as kooks?

15. What did immigrant Simon Rodia create?

16. What is the story behind the lifelong quarrel between inventors Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla?

17. What price did famous scientist Marie Curie pay for her genius?

18. The Nobel Prize is one of the world's most prestigious honors. Why did Alfred Nobel create the Nobel Prize?

19. Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin were two of the twentieth century's most influential leaders. Both men were responsible for the deaths of millions. What are the legacies of these two madmen geniuses?

20. Many computer geniuses display their talents by hacking. What is hacking? What are the dangers of hacking? Why do people do it?

21. What is a criminal genius? Who are some examples of criminal geniuses?

22. What is a cyborg? What role do you think cyborgs will have in our future?

23. What is the Turing Test? What genius invented it and why?

1. Create a chart of geniuses and their inventions/discoveries/contributions in the twentieth century.

2. Choose a genius and search the Internet for information about him or her. Use your data to create a visual biography (poster, computer presentation, etc.) about your genius.

3. Create a mobile of your favorite geniuses.

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Air Dates

• October 30, 2003
• October 31, 2003