Tyler DeWitt: Hey science teachers -- make it fun

High school science teacher Tyler DeWitt was ecstatic about a lesson plan on bacteria (how cool!) -- and devastated when his students hated it. The problem was the textbook: it was impossible to understand. He delivers a rousing call for science teachers to ditch the jargon and extreme precision, and instead make science sing through stories and demonstrations. (Filmed at TEDxBeaconStreet.)

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and much more.

[ZachHixsonTutorials]

this guy is the only reason I am passing college chemistry.

[azizulazri]

i 'm not kidding .. his student are super duper lucky !

[SueLynCheang]

I swear to God. This man is a gift from God.

[tdewitt]

I think you've summed it up perfectly, at least in my view. But there's also an idealism vs. pragmatism struggle going on. Many argue that unforgiving textbooks and classes challenge students to do their best, and it's an insult to their intelligence to make these resources more accessible. But many seasoned educators know that making a class too tough will just turn kids off--they only rise to the challenge gradually.

[kurtamen]

Tyler DeWitt is the bridge from science literacy to understanding.

[dizzytheblindcat]

I am very glad he is in this world and teaching.

[thut]

Why am I crying over his speech? He's sooo passionate!

[mehbubulalam]

Just like Breaking Bad, Tyler Dewitt made me love chemistry again.

[annam]

This guy is so awesome. I'm in college and I learned more from his YouTube videos than my professors and textbooks combined.

[EagleLogic]

Teachers in late middle school and early high school have a crucial job in society. Around that age, kids who are interested in further education begin to figure out what they are passionate about in school. If all science and math classes don't make sense to students, they will not even think about pursuing a future in those fields. Tyler is so right. These courses need to make SENSE to 13 year olds. They won't make any sense if they are written the same way that experts in that particular science field communicate. Honestly, this could very well be the blame why the United States is at a critical shortage of STEM majors. This county is desperate for more scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technologists.

[suzielynch]

it's so exciting seeing that Tyler Dewitt has had a TED Talk, I watched so many of his chemistry videos, it's like my own chemistry teacher is famous

[jimkeller]

I totally agree with this man.
If you want to know why Wikipedia sucks watch this video.
There are three types of science writers/teachers:
1. Those that have forgotten, or never known what it means to be a novice. They communicate from the Stratosphere, for the occasional mortal who understands their convolutions.
2. Those who gloss the surface, and don't know the topic deeply enough to make it interesting for the reader, or student. I find these the most confusing. Pop science magazines are usually at this level.
3. People like this guy (watch his Chemistry vids...awesome), who know the topic deeply,   then convey it in a way that is clear, concise, fun, interesting, and most importantly understands anticipated questions and pitfalls. a RARE breed. Solid Gold.

[cye]

2:48


Bacterium: Mr.DeWitt I don't fell so good

[larrywineman]

i'm a high schooler taking AP chemistry and all our teacher does is use the book and does the most boring experiments (i've gone from LOVING chemistry/science in general, to regretting i ever took the coarse except to remind me that i NEVER want to major in this subject in college). So, THANK YOU Tyler for being the only way that i have continued to enjoy this subject as well as the only reason i have passed this course:) Your many videos inspire kids like me to learn, and actually enjoy learning... please continue to change the lives and futures of kids and teens. I can't say thank you enough for the difference its made in my life:)

[funnydayz]

This just gave me motivation x10!! I am in college currently taking chemistry and I always feel like a fucking idiot in that class and I don't understand anything yet I watch his videos and I understand everything!! Everything!! I not only learn the material but I learn to love chemistry! Seriously thank God for your videos!! Please don't stop making them!! 

[pureawesomeness]

He is absolutely right! No wonder why a large number of young kids avoid to comprehend science. It is true that for kids understanding the main point should be the goal!

[garenzamba]

What a caring heart, Tyler! Good speach, man. God bless.

[sundaysmith]

I love this kid, considering I'm 55 and my 18 year old told me, that he helped him pass chemistry in high school and I'm going to be taking it in college next week with his help I hope to pass, thank you, you are smart and your parents must be very proud of you 👏

[yongbangyang]

Wow, so he's a PhD student at MIT. I've watched his Chemistry videos before I found this.. and it was great! Then, I also subscribed his channel without knowing he is a PhD student at MIT! I thought that he is nobody(a normal guy).   And yeah, what I've learn from him is *Why so serious?*

[Anthony-jtkh]

I wish my maths and chemistry was taught by this genius. I advice people to check his channel if doing chemistry its super helpful.