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If you want to become a scientist, first start to think like one | Leif Sieben | TEDxYouth@Basel
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If you want to become a scientist, first start to think like one | Leif Sieben | TEDxYouth@Basel

The Nature of Science: A Way of Thinking

Introduction to Scientific Thinking

  • The speaker introduces the concept that "science is a way of thinking," a statement accepted without much reflection.
  • Acceptance of this idea does not inherently lead to understanding complex scientific concepts like quantum mechanics or biogenic amino acids.

Understanding Models in Science

  • The realization that science as a way of thinking is powerful and inspiring comes after some time.
  • Scientists use models to represent complex ideas; for example, the model of a carbon atom is introduced.

Historical Context: Teaching Chemistry

  • Two professors were compelled to teach chemistry despite their reluctance due to students' lack of understanding.
  • Students struggled with abstract concepts because they had never seen an atom, highlighting the need for models in education.

The Role and Purpose of Models

  • The carbon atom model was created not as an accurate representation but as a tool for teaching basic chemistry concepts.
  • This simple model allows scientists to ask complicated questions about molecular structures, such as connecting six carbon atoms.

Models: Tools for Simplification

Everyday Use of Models

  • Models are prevalent in daily life, such as predicting weather or estimating travel times based on assumptions.
  • Successful navigation relies on simplified models that help solve problems effectively.

Scientific Models and Their Beauty

  • In science, beautiful models emerge from simplifying complex data; one notable example is Dmitri Mendeléyev's periodic table.

Mendeléyev’s Periodic Table: A Revolutionary Model

Creation and Impact

  • Mendeléyev arranged elements into rows (periods) and columns, leading to the modern periodic table's structure.
  • His predictions about undiscovered elements filled gaps in the table, demonstrating its utility beyond mere representation.

Predictions vs. Reality

  • Despite inaccuracies regarding elemental properties, Mendeléyev's model made correct predictions consistently, showcasing its effectiveness.

Embracing Imperfection in Science

Understanding Errors in Science

  • Science acknowledges that being wrong can be useful; errors can still lead to successful outcomes if they guide us correctly.

Conclusion on Scientific Modeling

  • The story emphasizes that even simple models can yield significant insights into complex phenomena like molecular structures.

Visualizing Atoms: Advances in Technology

Progression in Scientific Observation

  • Over a century later, technology allows direct observation of atomic structures like hexagons formed by carbon atoms.

Simplicity Over Complexity

Final Thoughts on Scientific Inquiry

  • Good models clarify our understanding by linking known and unknown aspects while simplifying complexity.

Encouragement for Future Exploration

  • When faced with challenges or uncertainties, creating simple yet intuitive models can empower exploration and discovery.
Video description

Science can seem impossibly complex, but the best science is often about simple ideas. The biggest leaps in the history of science were made while trying to reduce complexity and the most succesful scientific theories are those that are easy to use. Today, science spans everything from the tiniest to the gargantuan, from the obscure to the life-saving. But what all scientists share in common is a certain set of intellectual tools, a particular way to approach the world that allows science to pervade even the most puzzling problems. This is what empowers scientists to answer questions and provide solutions that other people might have thought of as impossible. But no problem is unsolvable if you know how to think about it. Science is a way of thinking! Nineteen-year-old Leif Sieben had to learn this (and possibly some other things) while taking up his studies in physical and biological chemistry at ETH Zürich. He eventually ended up believing in it himself and thinks this is a lesson to take for everyone - scientist or not. Leif Sieben is in his second undergraduate year studying physical and biological chemistry at ETH Zurich. He loves all things science. In his free time, he sometimes shoots indie movies, is a member of an English debate club in Zurich and plays piano in a jazz band. Surprisingly, despite four semesters of lab work, he is still a hopelessly bad chef. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx