Why children need science and technology. | Netra Unni Rajesh | TEDxMississauga

Summary

The speaker shares her journey from a high school student's curiosity about Wi-Fi's health risks to a passionate pursuit in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Initially skeptical about Wi-Fi causing cancer, she conducted an experiment using baker's yeast, which led to unexpected results and a newfound love for research. Her determination to work in a lab, despite initial rejections due to her age, eventually paid off, leading to a transformative experience in a professional lab environment. The talk emphasizes the importance of real-world experience and multi-sensory learning in STEAM fields, advocating for early exposure to practical applications to foster innovation and collaboration.

Takeaways

• 📡 The speaker starts with the topic of Wi-Fi, highlighting its ubiquity and importance in modern life.
• 🤔 The initial skepticism about Wi-Fi's potential health risks, particularly its carcinogenic effects, is presented as a personal revelation.
• 🔬 The speaker's curiosity leads to conducting an experiment to measure the effects of Wi-Fi radiation on cell growth, demonstrating a hands-on approach to scientific inquiry.
• 🏫 The challenges faced in accessing a lab due to age and the creative solution of setting up a makeshift lab at home underscore the determination to pursue scientific interests.
• 📚 The experiment's results suggest that Wi-Fi radiation may accelerate cell growth, hinting at potential health implications.
• 💡 The personal impact of the experiment is profound, igniting a passion for science and engineering and leading to a career path in STEAM.
• 🌐 The importance of STEAM fields is emphasized, with the speaker noting the high demand across various sectors and the need for future professionals.
• 🧩 The speaker's experience in a professional lab at a young age provides insight into the benefits of real-world experience for educational and professional development.
• 🤝 The value of collaboration in STEAM fields is highlighted, showing that innovation often results from interdisciplinary teamwork.
• 🌟 The transformative effect of hands-on learning is discussed, with the speaker advocating for more real-world opportunities for students to engage with their interests.
• 🌍 A comparison is made to Finland's education system, which emphasizes vocational schools and real-world learning, suggesting a model for fostering practical skills and multi-sensory learning.

Q & A

What is the abbreviation for Wireless Fidelity?

The abbreviation for Wireless Fidelity is Wi-Fi.

Why did the speaker initially refuse to believe the negative effects of Wi-Fi mentioned in the article?

The speaker initially refused to believe the negative effects of Wi-Fi because they were a curious and skeptical child who loved Wi-Fi and its benefits.

What did the speaker do after learning about the potential health risks of Wi-Fi?

The speaker started reading more about the topic, found scientific studies, and designed an experiment to measure the effects of Wi-Fi radiation on cell growth.

Why was the speaker initially denied access to a research lab?

The speaker was initially denied access to a research lab because they were considered too young by the lab manager.

What did the speaker use as a substitute for a professional lab?

The speaker used their high school science classroom and basement to create a makeshift lab for their experiment.

What was the subject of the experiment the speaker conducted?

The subject of the experiment was to measure the effects of Wi-Fi radiation on the growth of baker's yeast cells.

What were the results of the speaker's experiment with baker's yeast cells?

The results showed that cells exposed to Wi-Fi radiation grew uncontrollably and began clumping together, similar to forming tiny tumors.

What impact did the experiment have on the speaker's perception of science and their future career?

The experiment sparked the speaker's passion for science and engineering, inspiring them to pursue a career in STEAM.

What is STEAM and why is it in demand in various sectors?

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It is in high demand because it encompasses the skills needed for innovation and problem-solving across various industries.

How did the speaker's experience in a lab at 16 influence their understanding of STEAM?

The speaker's lab experience helped them understand the importance of collaboration in STEAM fields and that STEAM is interdisciplinary, involving the integration of science, art, and mathematics to engineer new technologies.

What did the speaker learn about the Finnish education system that they found noteworthy?

The speaker learned that Finland's education system widely uses vocational schools, which provide students with real-world experiences and internships, fostering multi-sensory learning and transferable skills.

What is the speaker's suggestion for improving students' real-world learning experiences?

The speaker suggests that more students should be encouraged to pursue internships in labs and industries, and that companies should support this by offering opportunities to young learners.

What personal realization did the speaker have about age in the context of research and innovation?

The speaker realized that age is just another piece of data in research and innovation, implying that young individuals can contribute significantly to these fields regardless of their age.