Science professors often give lectures about the plethora of ways science can be used in real life. James Kakalios of the University of Minnesota instead applies his knowledge of science to a fictional world — comic books.
Kakalios gave a lecture March 11 as part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy’s lecture series throughout the semester. Kakalios stopped at the University on his way to the American Physical Society’s conference in New Orleans, where he will be giving a similar presentation.
Kakalios dressed like most esteemed professors usually do, besides his animated Fantastic Four tie.
In 2001, Kakalios created a freshman seminar course at the University of Minnesota called “Everything I Know About Physics I Learned From Reading Comic Books.” Kakalios said he thought using an exciting method of applying information, such as comic books, would be a unique way to teach students scientific concepts in a more engaging manner.
“This is a real physics class that covers everything from Isaac Newton to the transistor, but there’s not an incline plane or pulley in sight,” Kakalios said. “Rather, all the examples come from superhero comic books, and as much as possible, those cases superheroes get their science right.”
In May 2002, Kakalios wrote an article examining the science of a well-known comic, “The Amazing Spider-Man #121,” to coincide with the release of the first Spider-Man movie. The article was published the same day as the film’s release, and within three days, Kakalios received interview requests from CNN, BBC and the Associated Press.
Kakalios capitalized on his success by digging into the science of other superheroes. He continued conducting research, studying subjects such as the science of the strength of Spider-Man’s web, the durability of the Fantastic Four’s costumes and The Flash’s ability to pluck bullets out of the air while running at super-speed.
Kakalios said he was struck by how interested students tend to be in his research when they are usually quick to dismiss science’s relevance to everyday life.
“Many students don’t find their introductory physics classes relevant. This is illustrated by the standard student’s complaint, ‘When am I ever going to use this in my real life?’ Interestingly enough, whenever I use superheroes to illustrate physical principles, students never wonder when they’re going to use this in their real life,” Kakalios said. “Apparently, they all have plans after graduation that involve spandex and patrolling the city.”
Kakalios has published two editions of “The Physics of Superheroes,” as well as other works on scientific concepts relating to pop culture. He left his mark on the comic book world by acting as a scientific consultant on comic book movies like “Watchmen” and “Green Lantern.”
While Kakalios is a college professor, he believes the concepts of science can be taught at a young age and that superheroes are a good medium to relate those concepts to, he said.
“Science is really about asking questions. It’s not about knowing all the answers,” Kakalios said. “That scientific way of thinking about things — you can do it with comic books, you can do it with anything, and there’s really no age limit to when you can start doing that.”
Minnesota professor gives lecture on science of superheroes, uses physics to explain comic book phenomena
By Evan Saacks | @evansaacks
March 13, 2017
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