Beau Lotto + Amy O'Toole: Science is for everyone, kids included

New Section

In this section, Beau Lotto introduces the concept of perception and how our brains make meaning out of information based on our past experiences.

Perception is Grounded in Experience

• Our perception is grounded in our experience.

• The brain takes meaningless information and makes meaning out of it.

• We never see what's actually there, but rather what was useful to see in the past.

Uncertainty and the Power of Questions

• Uncertainty is a problem because it creates doubt and hesitation.

• The question "why?" leads us into uncertainty.

• However, stepping into uncertainty is necessary for new perceptions and discoveries.

Play as a Solution to Uncertainty

• Evolution has given us play as a way to address uncertainty.

• Play celebrates uncertainty, opens possibilities, and promotes cooperation.

• Play is intrinsically motivated and its own reward.

Science as a Way of Being

• Science is not just defined by methods but also by a way of being.

• The qualities needed for play align with those needed for scientific inquiry.

• Rules added to play create experiments, which are games in science.

The Blackawton Bees Project

In this section, Beau Lotto shares the story of the Blackawton Bees Project conducted with young children. They explore whether bees can solve complex problems using previously learned rules and conditions.

Children's Contribution to Science

• Small children can make significant contributions to science.

• Questions asked by 8-to 10-year-old children were later published by expert scientists.

Introducing Amy O'Toole

• Amy O'Toole was one of the young participants in the Blackawton Bees Project.

• She is now one of the youngest published scientists in the world.

The Question: Can Bees Think Like Humans?

• The children wondered if bees and humans could solve complex problems in similar ways.

• They wanted to explore if bees can adapt to new situations using previously learned rules.

Bees' Ability to Recognize Good Flowers

• Bees, like humans, can recognize good flowers regardless of time, light, weather, or angle.

• Despite having only one million brain cells, bees have remarkable cognitive abilities.

Designing the Experiment

The speaker discusses the process of designing an experiment, which involved creating a game for the kids. They explain that the game required the bees to learn an if-then rule, where they had to go to a certain color flower only when it was in a specific pattern.

The Game and Puzzle

• The game designed for the bees involved an if-then rule.

• Bees were rewarded only if they went to yellow flowers surrounded by blue or blue flowers surrounded by yellow.

Uncertainty and Collaboration

The speaker highlights the uncertainty surrounding the experiment and emphasizes that even adults had not attempted this before. They also mention the importance of collaboration with Dave Strudwick, who played a significant role in the project.

Uncertainty and Excitement

• The experiment was completely new, and no one knew if it would work.

• Collaboration with Dave Strudwick was crucial for the project's success.

Observation and Data Collection

This section focuses on observing and recording data during the experiment. Students are seen actively participating in data collection by tracking where the bees fly.

Observations and Data Recording

• Students record data on bee flight patterns.

• Video footage shows students engaged in observation and data collection.

Analysis and Sharing Results

After collecting data, analysis is conducted using simple mathematics such as averaging. The next step involves sharing their findings through writing a scientific paper.

Data Analysis and Writing

• Simple mathematics like averaging is used for analysis.

• A paper is written following four sections: introduction, methods, results, discussion.

Kid-Written Science Paper

The speaker explains that the science paper is written in "kidspeak" by the students themselves. They share some humorous examples from the paper, highlighting its unique style.

Writing the Science Paper

• The paper is written in a narrative style using kids' words.

• Examples of humorous phrases and sections from the paper are shared.

Publishing Challenges

The speaker discusses the challenges faced when trying to publish their science paper. Despite initial rejection, they receive positive feedback from renowned scientists and eventually get it published.

Initial Rejection and Positive Feedback

• The first journal rejects the paper due to unconventional elements.

• Renowned scientists praise the originality and quality of the work.

Publication Success

After facing rejection, they submit their paper to Biology Letters where it undergoes review by five independent referees before being published.

Submission and Review Process

• The paper is submitted to Biology Letters after rejection from another journal.

• It undergoes review by five independent referees before being accepted for publication.

Impact and Feedback

This section highlights the impact of their published work, including high download rates, recognition in top science magazines, and positive feedback from scientists, teachers, and the public.

Impact of Published Work

• The paper receives high download rates and becomes Editors' Choice in Science magazine.

• Positive feedback is received from scientists, teachers, and members of the public.

Conclusion with a Metaphor

The speaker concludes with a metaphor about taking risks in science. They engage with an audience member in a demonstration to emphasize the importance of stepping into uncertainty.

Risk-Taking and Uncertainty

• Science involves taking risks and embracing uncertainty.

• A metaphorical demonstration is conducted to illustrate the concept.

The Point of Science

The speaker emphasizes the transformative power of science, encouraging individuals to step out of their comfort zones and embrace curiosity and uncertainty.

Transformative Power of Science

• Science allows us to move beyond mere response and explore new possibilities.

The Power of Science Education

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of science education in enabling individuals to see the world in a new way and navigate uncertainty through play.

Science as a Tool for Discovery

• Science offers us the opportunity to view the world from a fresh perspective and embrace uncertainty.

• True science education should empower individuals to express their voices and ideas.

Discovering the Potential of Science

Amy shares her experience with a project that brought the process of discovery to life, highlighting how anyone can make new discoveries through small questions and changing their perception of science.

Changing Perspectives on Science

• Amy found the project exciting as it allowed her to experience the process of discovery firsthand.

• She realized that anyone, regardless of background or expertise, has the potential to make new discoveries.

• Changing one's perspective on science can be easy or difficult depending on their openness to change.

• Playing games and engaging with puzzles helped Amy realize that science is not boring but rather an opportunity for everyone to discover something new.

The Blackawton Bee Project