Stephen Hawking was born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England. His parents were very smart and studied at Oxford University. Even though he grew up in a family that loved learning, Stephen found school a bit tough and his teachers thought he was lazy. But as a teenager, he became really curious about how things worked. He even built a computer with his friends using old parts, which earned him the nickname “Einstein” from his friends.
When Stephen was 17, he went to Oxford University to study Physics and Chemistry. At first, he didn’t find it very exciting, but he still did really well. After that, he went to Cambridge University to learn about cosmology, which is the study of how the universe began. He quickly fell in love with this subject.
When Stephen was 21, he got some very bad news. He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), a condition that makes it hard for the brain to talk to the muscles in the body. Doctors told him he might only live for two more years. As the disease got worse, Stephen had trouble walking, talking, and eating. He started using walking sticks, then crutches, and finally needed an electric wheelchair. This was a tough time for him, and he felt very sad.
But Stephen didn’t give up. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he decided to live life to the fullest. He focused even more on his studies and had fun by zooming around the university in his wheelchair, sometimes accidentally running over people’s toes!
Stephen Hawking became a famous scientist by studying black holes and space-time theories. One of his biggest ideas was the Hawking Theory, which says that black holes can give off radiation. This was a huge discovery in science!
In 1985, Stephen got very sick and needed emergency surgery. The operation saved his life, but he couldn’t speak afterward. However, he got a special computer that let him talk by moving a muscle in his cheek.
Even with all the challenges he faced, Stephen Hawking didn’t let his illness stop him. He lived for 55 more years, passing away at the age of 76 on March 14, 2018. His life and work continue to inspire people all over the world.
Stephen received many awards, like the Albert Einstein Medal in 1979, the Order of the British Empire in 1982, and the Wolf Prize in Physics in 1988. His book, A Brief History of Time, sold over 10 million copies, making him a famous figure in science.
Stephen Hawking’s story shows us how strong the human spirit can be. He went from being a student who struggled in school to becoming a world-famous scientist. His determination and passion helped him overcome huge challenges. Stephen’s work and his amazing life encourage us to follow our dreams, no matter what obstacles we face.
Build Your Own “Computer”: Just like Stephen Hawking built a computer with his friends, you can create a simple “computer” using household items. Gather some cardboard, buttons, and old electronic parts (like a calculator or remote control). Design your own computer by arranging these parts on the cardboard. Think about what each part might do if it were a real computer. Share your creation with your family and explain how it works!
Explore the Universe: Stephen Hawking loved learning about the universe. Try stargazing with your family one evening. Use a simple telescope or binoculars to look at the stars and planets. Can you spot any constellations? Draw what you see and write a short story about a journey through space. What would you discover if you were an astronaut exploring the universe?
Overcoming Challenges: Stephen faced many challenges but didn’t give up. Think about a time when you found something difficult. How did you overcome it? Write a short paragraph about your experience. Then, discuss with your classmates or family how determination and a positive attitude can help us overcome obstacles, just like Stephen did.
