Albert Einstein Facts for Kids

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So, Who Exactly Was Albert Einstein?

Albert Einstein (14 March 1879 - 18 April 1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist. A leading figure in scientific thought throughout the early-mid 20th century, he is now one of most well-known and respected scientists of all time.

Einstein independently developed the theory of relativity, the backbone of modern physics, and received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 both for discovering the photoelectric effect and for his overall contribution to theoretical physics. Einstein is often remembered for discovering the equation E = mc², the formula for mass-energy equivalence which shows that mass is directly related to energy.

Cool Facts About Albert Einstein for Kids

Busted myth: Einstein started speaking before he was 4.
Another myth that's often spread about Einstein is that he didn't start talking until he was about 4 (most kids start talking before their 1^st birthday). While it's still possible that he didn't start speaking until later in his life, a published story from his grandparents show his curious mind already at work by age 2. After meeting his new baby sister for the first time, little Albert, imagining her as some new toy to play with, said, "But where are its wheels?"
Einstein almost became the second president of Israel in 1952.
In 1952, Einstein was offered the ceremonial position of becoming the second President of Israel, then a relatively new country. He reluctantly decided to turn down the offer, stating that he had, "Neither the natural ability nor the experience" for the job.
Busted myth: Einstein wasn't actually left-handed.
Though Einstein is often mistakenly added to the list of famous left-handed figures, there are many photographs that prove his right handedness. Sorry, lefties!
Unlike many scientists, Einstein was strongly outspoken and political.
Einstein championed civil rights, calling segregation "a disease," and promising that he did, "not intend to be quiet about it."
Einstein was a vegetarian.
Partly because of stomach problems and partly because of his compassion for animals, Einstein made the decision to give up meat later in his life.
Busted myth: Einstein wasn't actually a bad student.
It's often mentioned that Einstein was a poor student and that he failed his university entrance exam. In reality, however, he took the test 2 years before most students—and failed only the parts that were given in French.
In addition to being one of the greatest physicists of all time, Einstein was also an accomplished inventor.
Einstein spent quite a lot of energy inventing and applied about 50 patents in his lifetime. One such patent was for a silent refrigerator that could supposedly last up to 100 years.
Einstein was an Einstein! He was a mathematical prodigy whose curiosity appeared at an early age.
At age 12, Einstein taught himself algebra and geometry with a textbook given to him by his tutor. Soon after, he started to teach himself calculus, which he mastered at 14.