Educational Media Reviews Online

Although Alfred Nobel is especially well-known as the inventor of dynamite and as the benefactor of five of the Nobel Prizes, he was also a prolific inventor, a respected scientist, and a successful industrialist. In addition to relating the facts of Nobel’s life, this film explains the science behind dynamite as well as dynamite’s impact on history (in explosives for warfare) and its economic impact (facilitating railway construction). Period illustrations are used effectively. The re-enactment sequences are faded and grainy, but rather than being a distraction, may actually add to the film. The well-organized narration and the short length make this film very suitable for middle school science and social studies curricula. Highly recommended