Thinking in English 353. Marie Curie: The Greatest Scientist of All Time? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Sep 15, 2025
Explore the groundbreaking life of the remarkable Marie Skłodowska Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. Discover her historic achievements in radioactivity and her unique distinction of winning Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. Delve into her challenges and the lasting impact she had on both science and medicine, paving the way for future generations, especially women in science. Was she the greatest scientist of all time? You’ll want to tune in to find out!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Determination Overcame Barriers
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie overcame social and financial barriers to pursue education in Poland and Paris.
- Her determination led her from secret schooling to top university degrees despite hardship.
Paris Struggles Turned Into Success
- Marie moved to Paris, learned French, and famously wore all her clothes at once to survive winter cold.
- She then became a top student and met Pierre Curie, launching a scientific partnership.
Precision Led To Element Discovery
- Marie and Pierre Curie measured tiny radiation amounts and developed precise instruments for detection.
- Their careful experiments led to isolating polonium and radium in 1898 from pitchblend.