The Science of Learning with Heather Berlin

How do our brains learn? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host David Bakker and Chuck Nice learn about learning at the Pocketlab Science Is Cool Virtual Unconference with neuroscientist Heather Berlin.

What happens to our brains when we learn something new? Learn about the changes in the brain and how it creates pathways to help us learn. How do some people seem to learn faster than others? Discover how emotions and neurochemicals play their part in learning and developing memories. How do dopamine and serotonin help us remember? We ask, does humor help you learn?

What’s the difference between learning and creating? How do people think of things that have never been thought of before? What is creativity? We discuss the definition of genius, rules of calculus, and if there is a best way for our brains to receive information. Are there different types of learners? What does neuroscience say on the matter? We break down experiential learning and the effectiveness of science museums. Can Neil guess your favorite exhibit?

How has the pandemic affected students’ learning? What does remote learning do differently for our brains? Can technology help us? Can you use video games to teach effectively? How does being active help us learn? We debate nature versus nurture and the ethics of IQ tests… Is Neil going to disclose his IQ score? Find out, on another episode of StarTalk!

Thanks to our Patrons Steve Vera, Mike Ness, Stephan Greenway, Jovanni Mendoza, Luke Cadman, Shenaye Dawson, Mathew Green, Angelo Dower, Zachary Zahn, Brandon Diamond for supporting us this week.

NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free.

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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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[georgewilliams]

"Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers is transformational " - George Couros

[Thomas-qnhj]

As a young kid, I was lucky enough to take a school trip to the Smithsonian Institution to see the 1970 Tutankhamun tour, just stunning to see all those incredible artifacts, will never forget that experience.

[NielvanSteenderen]

I must say, when I started learning physics in high school, I immediately connected it to various simulator and other games I was playing. It engaged me to learn more and I was lucky enough to have some teachers who would answer strange questions. I remember coming back during break to discuss the feasibility of an energy shield to repulse bullets magnetically. My best and favorite teacher ever.

[phenous]

as a teacher I thank you Neil and Chuck for this podcast.

[JohnDoe-woie]

Neil you where one of the first people I learned science through and I am grateful that your passion for science is so strong and that makes it far more enjoyable.

[nickl]

This was one of the best StarTalk podcasts ever! Such energy! You guys are on 🔥!

[SuyKiki]

I love you Neil, as a student that did not receive an A in some courses and was discouraged by those who were to guide me. It is refreshing to know there are geniuses like yourself that believe in motivating us to continue to try our best and push forward into our passions.

[tcfwmss]

I agree that intuitively it makes sense that having Chuck on and bringing humor into the convo helps me learn the subject better/retain more.
Also, it really helps to have him because its a smart person who is super observant but not super science knowledgeable. He asks the questions that I often wish would be asked on the various scientific subjects they cover.
Thanks Chuck your dope!

[LauraoAirylea]

the first day of school or day leading up to school should be a field trip. Have a collective learning experience with your class on day one. I would have been way more excited about learning if that had happened.

[mlijah]

learning is my favorite field to do philosophical works in, the better we learn, the more valuable our information. I love to hear new perspectives on these things

[willmendoza]

I love how excited about learning Chuck gets in this one.

[WileECoyoteYM]

“For every student that does not get an A on a exam. There’s a teacher telling them what they should not be when they grow up” I love when Neil gets candid 😆

[willkleespies]

My sister is a COVID nurse at Mt. Sinai hospital in New York. That's also where I was born. It gave me an instant interest in this video. I love them all so keep me comin Neil and Chuck!!!

[pablomoragasalvatierra]

Please do more content with Dr. Heather Berlin <3

[lalalafamille]

Beautiful presentation... If I can, I must say, Heater Berlin has an incredible smile, laughter and charm... science and beauty together it's like music

[Thunar]

This was one of my favorite episodes. I love listening to topics on education. I don.t always agree with every answer initially given but i do listen, respect and consider every viewpoint. I learned a lot from this video.

[stephenarmiger]

A newer episode with Heather and Dan Harris just came out. Very enlightening! Thanks to all!

[andromydous]

My IQ test was my parents. Growing up, it was impressed upon me that I can't do anything right and I'll never go anywhere in life. Meanwhile, my younger brothers were treated like they had the golden ticket. If you're a new parent, or planning to have kids in the near future, it is very important for you to be mindful of what you say to your kids and how you treat your kids. It does have a lasting effect well into adulthood.
I'm 45 and lately I've been pondering what I could have accomplished in life had my parents showed me just as much support as they did my brothers. For example, I've been drawing since I could hold a crayon and have taught myself guitar since I was 16. In both cases, it was drilled in my head that I would never be able to have a meaningful life doing either. Over time, I have gotten to the point where, subconsciously, I didn't care anymore. I literally stopped drawing and painting almost 10 years ago. I still pick up the guitar, but I might play it for 5-10 minutes. However, I don't have the desire to sit down and completely learn a new song or even write my own song (I used to do that from 16-20 years old).
I usually don't subscribe to the idea of blaming parents for present day actions. Yet, when you've been mentally beat down and held back for the first 18 years of your life, it's not something that you can just shake off and nobody else is going to tell you how to do so.

[kathytaylor]

Being from Philly, yes, the heart was my favorite and the cotton gin and remembering Eli Whitney and I'm 57. The working, moving, mechanics of the objects were fascinating. Also, going where our founding Father's constructed our Constitution and Betsy Ross' house. That's why I love to experience life and find out more about it. Tyson was on point with this. At 57 now, and having the internet, I still want to learn about things that I never could when I was younger. But now that would be reversed. Learn about it then, experience it. That's the difference of my generation.

[suvigyabasnotra]

I voted for StarTalk Podcast on Webby's as well...!