Web and Video Resources: How Plausible is Iron Man?
Subject Areas: Science and Technology; Physics; Social Studies; Media Literacy
Suggested Grade Levels: 6-12
Overview: A Popular Science article describes how a group of robotics engineers at Raytheon’s Sarcos lab are building what might be a forerunner to an actual “Iron Man suit” similar to that in the hit movie. Called the “XOS,” this exoskeleton suit is intended for the military to provide soldiers with superior strength and speed.
In addition, this high-interest video from CBS Sunday Morning (5/19/08) covers the same story. The five-minute clip also includes New York Comic-Con footage, Stan Lee, and brief clips from Spider-Man and Hulk movies. Find it!
Key Quote: “Jacobsen and his team take inspiration for their work from a wide variety of disparate sources, including popular culture. Asked if he will see the Iron Man movie when it’s released on May 2, he replied: ‘Yes, sure. I go to see all those movies. We all do. We all like them. They’re fun. They stimulate your imagination.’” – From Raytheon’s own Web page covering the XOS, dated 4/28/08.
Addition Resources:
For the Iron Man trailer, TV Spot, and teaser visit the official site.
Video of the XOS in action: Find It!
Stills gallery and additional video from Raytheon: Find it!
Sample Discussion Questions/Activities:
- If students have seen the movie, have them compare and contrast XOS with the three versions of Iron Man’s suit.
- Does XOS represent a milestone along the way to inventing an actual Tony Stark-like creation? If so, invite students to produce a schematic that would serve as a “missing link” between the two designs.
Other questions to consider asking students…
- What movies stimulate your scientific imagination? Which superheroes (e.g. Batman) also rely heavily on technology and is its presentation there more or less plausible than that in Iron Man?
- How would suits such as the XOS change warfare? How might they change the individual soldier’s attitude toward performing routine tasks? Critical thinking: Would there be any net savings to a user’s/soldier’s labor, or would the technology create new expectations in terms of work performance?
- Media literacy: Why do you think that the military and its vendor, Raytheon, might enjoy being associated with a popular movie such as Iron Man?
