Write Your Own Thought Experiment
Introduction:
Einstein did not discover relativity by memorizing facts. He asked clear questions and imagined situations carefully. A thought experiment is a “mind experiment” that helps you test an idea. It is like running a science experiment inside your imagination, then using logic to predict what would happen.
This activity turns students into young Einstein thinkers.
What You Will Need:
Notebook and pencil
Optional: a timer for a timed writing challenge
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Choose one prompt:
What if you could ride on a beam of light?
What if time moved faster at the top of a mountain than at sea level?
What if you were inside a spaceship moving near the speed of light?
Write 5 sensory details: what you see, feel, hear.
Write 3 “science rules” you will follow, such as: light travels fast, gravity pulls, clocks tick.
Write your thought experiment as a short scene, 1 to 2 pages.
End with a “prediction paragraph” explaining what you think would happen and why.
What to Look For:
Did you keep the scenario consistent with the science rules you chose?
Did your prediction match your scenario?
What question would you want to test next?
Fun Fact:
Einstein imagined chasing a beam of light as a teenager. That question helped guide his future discoveries.
Safety Tip:
This activity is writing-based and safe. Encourage respectful sharing and listening if students read aloud.
Journaling Prompt:
Write one question you still have about time, space, or gravity, and explain why it matters to you.