Great Thinkers: James Maxwell

With this app students learn about the life and contributions to physics made by James Clerk Maxwell. It discusses his major scientific theories including his contributions to our understanding of the physical world.

Many science historians consider James Clerk Maxwell to be one of the greatest physicists of all time, in a league with Newton and Einstein. It is reported that when Einstein was asked if he stood on Newton’s shoulders, Einstein replied, “No, on the shoulders of Maxwell”.

Maxwell was born in 1831 in Edinburgh, Scotland. James Maxwell’s parents were wealthy. He grew up on the family’s countryside estate. During the Victorian Era is was commonplace that a child’s mother would take responsibility for the child’s early education. Maxwell’s parents knew that James was very intelligent and that he had a curious mind. When James was only eight years old his mother died. This meant that his father had to take charge of his education. With the help of his sister-in-law, Jane Cay, they continued Maxwell’s early learning.

Using this app students learn about his amazing life. It includes introductory information about physics. We hope that this app will inspire students to pursue careers in science. Students will enjoy using this graphically illustrated, interactive learning tool. The timeline feature presents key events in the development of our modern understanding of the physical world. Tapping on timeline points brings up descriptions of historically significant events and the role that James Maxwell played. A quiz function helps students demonstrate their comprehension of the reading material. Key science concepts are shown in colorful illustrations. We hope this app will inspire students to study physics. The app shows that James Maxwell certainly deserves the place he has earned in the history of science.