Short Wave Science From Curiosity And A Little Paper
Dec 8, 2020
Manu Prakash, a bioengineering professor at Stanford and co-inventor of the Foldscope, discusses his mission to make science accessible and enjoyable for everyone. He shares his childhood curiosity sparked by a fireworks mishap and his journey towards innovative teaching methods. The conversation highlights the importance of experiential learning and community engagement in science education. Prakash also emphasizes how the Foldscope, a low-cost microscope, democratizes scientific exploration, inspiring curiosity in children and advocating for a cultural shift towards science in everyday life.
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Fireworks Experiment
- Manu Prakash's first science memory involved fireworks, curiosity, and a trip to the ER.
- He learned a valuable lesson about personal protective equipment (PPE).
Personal Discovery
- Manu Prakash believes textbook-oriented science can be alienating.
- He emphasizes the importance of personal discovery, even if the phenomenon has been previously discovered.
Alienated by Education
- Manu felt alienated by science education due to language barriers and lack of context.
- This shaped his view on education, leading him to prioritize making science accessible and personal.