Reaction Paper on a Documentary: Particle Fever (2013)

Dimopoulos (2013) upholds that “Jumping from failure to failure with undiminished enthusiasm is the big secret to success.” This quotation further resonates the determination of the scientists and engineers while examining the complicated process within the context of the laws of science and physics. The documentary primarily discussed the search for the impalpable and indispensable Higgs boson particle commonly known as the “God particle.” Involved in this experiment held in the facility of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) were significant personalities who were popular in the field of physics and engineering. These brilliant people emphasized that this might be the last particle humans will ever see and could be the last missing puzzle for the greatest of all mysteries. More importantly, the documentary also highlighted the biggest machine that the humans have ever built several years ago called the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). It is believed that this invention could potentially explain the mysteries of the unknown in the universe behind the Higgs boson particle.
Upon all of these inventions and discoveries aforementioned, the documentary had an effective way of elucidating theories and enthralling ideas for the viewers as it further characterizes the human’s pursuit of understanding through knowledge. It did not matter whether the viewers were interested about science and math since it clearly explains its relation to the human endeavor. Although, in some way, the scientists were quite carried away by their emotions as they try to chase the explanation behind the Higgs boson particle. It showed that they were astonished and astounded as they get an inch closer to the discovery of the said particle which could be last piece of the puzzle. Despite the complexity behind the invention of the Large Hadron Collider, it may not be necessary for the survival of humans but it is highly considered as something that makes us all human and significant.
The documentary generally discussed significant explanations of science. Dimopoulos also likened science into art. Where he questioned, why do humans do science, and why do they do art? He then further elucidates that these things that are least important for man’s survival, are the very things that make us human. It also associated some discussions about the laws of physics. Theorists might be very mathematical and abstract in proposing their theories, and some might be considered as geniuses like Einstein, but in some sense they also need designers for their experiment which will prove their theory thus, called experimentalists. This goes to show that everything is intertwined with each other, nothing is left out nor is far too advanced. These brilliant people who are involved upon the constant search of the discovery of this “God Particle” while talking at a conference table and scribbling away lengthy equations on the board may appear to be quite dry at times. And yet, people may not have realized, but this film accentuates the importance of the continual search of the highly significant particle, and at the same time points out how much this means to the world and how it is going to change everything.
Being able to watch the documentary is a blessing for the senior high school students of the 21st century who are fortunately taking up the STEM strand. It can be highly concluded that the documentary is relevant to the said strand since it primarily discusses important points about science and physics, which in return, can alleviate some abstract thoughts upon tackling these branches. Also, this asserts that nothing is impossible for a man to not achieve his own dream. Although it may take some time, but everything falls in a track where one will reach the end point where new ideas dawn. Thus, it highlights significant discussions wherein these remarkable scientists and physicists emphasized that there is no need to be highly skilled in math nor become a science genius, to be able to comprehend and enjoy the thrill of discovery that is observed in the film. The documentary, therefore, is effectively conducive not only for the students, but it also serves as a beacon to the necessary growth and essential understanding of the human endeavor. It is indeed a very informative documentary with enough kinetic energy to generate suspense together with thrill.
