Igniting Curiosity and Passion for Science Through Edith Widder's Ted Talk

Introduction

"To inspire" is defined by the Google dictionary as "to fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative." At its core, science embodies creative thinking and curiosity about the unknown. It is a subject that infinitely expands its branches, unveiling numerous phenomena that, without science, we might never have known existed. A prime example is Edith Widder's TED Talk, "The Weird, Wonderful World of Bioluminescence" (Widder, 2011). In her speech, she expertly used both words and visuals to ignite her audience's interest in the incredibly complex and fascinating subject of bioluminescence. The images and videos were astonishing, immediately capturing the audience's attention and evoking gasps as they experienced the phenomenon right before their eyes. Capturing students' attention can be challenging, but through her presentation, Edith Widder certainly piqued their interest in bioluminescence and the incredible world of science as a whole.

Importance of Science

Science, in my opinion, is one of the greatest subjects. However, not everyone shares this sentiment. Many students, in particular, do not seem to appreciate the value of science because it has often been labeled as a "difficult subject." Students just need that extra push to find the drive to learn about science. Books, magazines, websites, and TED Talks are just a few of the many avenues through which students can find the inspiration they need. These sources demonstrate the real-life applications of science. For example, in her TED Talk, Edith Widder mentioned that when she returned from her undersea explorations, words were inadequate to explain the phenomenon. She found the perfect way to present the subject: the Single Person Submersible, which vividly illustrates the effect of bioluminescence. This example underscores the adage that a picture is worth a thousand words.

Personal Reflection

As a science major, I have been interested in science ever since I was a little girl. However, I was never particularly intrigued by marine biology or ecology. If I hadn't watched Edith Widder's TED Talk, I would have never known what bioluminescence is. I can say with certainty that I was extremely fascinated by the subject. It made me realize that as humans, we often overlook how deep the ocean is and how many wonders lie beneath its surface. Creatures that use bioluminescence are so beautiful and unique, and I am grateful for being exposed to this phenomenon because it sparked a new interest in me and inspired me to learn more about it. As a visual learner, if I had only read about the subject in an article without seeing it with my own eyes, I would have likely forgotten about it the next day. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of visual storytelling to convey complex scientific concepts.

The Role of Curiosity in Science

Being a scientist means that when you reply, "I do not know," to a question, you will try your best to find a solution. Not knowing the answer to a sudden question that pops into your head is frustrating, but it presents a great opportunity to learn more. I aspire to learn something new every day, which is why I enjoy watching TED Talks regularly, as they raise awareness about diverse subjects. Their themes range from life-changing experiences to scientific research. Edith Widder's TED Talk managed to pique my interest in marine biology and made me realize how beautiful the world we live in is, even the part we usually don't see. Inspiration is only the beginning of a beautiful journey of knowledge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, science serves as a beacon of inspiration, fueling our curiosity and driving us to explore the unknown. Through engaging presentations like Edith Widder's TED Talk, we can uncover the hidden wonders of our world and ignite a passion for learning in others. By embracing the challenges and mysteries that science presents, we embark on a lifelong journey of discovery, enriching our understanding of the universe and our place within it.

References:

Widder, E. (2011). The weird, wonderful world of bioluminescence [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/edith_widder_the_weird_wonderful_world_of_bioluminescence