Listen to this review! "During peacetime a scientist belongs to
the world, but during war time he belongs to his country."—Fritz
Haber While some scientists attempt to remain politically
neutral, others choose to take controversial positions. A couple
of months ago, a regular reader called my attention to a short
biographical film science teachers should know about. Released
in 2008, Haber tells the story of Fritz Haber, a German chemist
active in the early 20th century, known both for his work on
chemical fertilizers and as the "father of chemical warfare."
This unusual biopic is short enough (just 35 minutes long) to be
shown in a single class period, and is the project of writer-
director Daniel Ragussis. While chemistry teachers have the
clearest connection to this film’s content, all high school and
college science teachers could use it to initiate a discussion
of scientific ethics. Haber was raised a strict Hasidic Jew, but
converted to Christianity as an adult, perhaps in part to
further his career in G