Champions Of Science

Science is fascinating and fun when you're doing hands-on activities at a science museum. How can we transfer some of that joy to the classroom and the lab? Our guests explore how to make science more appealing to kids and adults.

How can scientists better leverage the media to speak to the public? Our guests explore how scientists can be more effective communicators in traditional and new media.

Are people in the US more skeptical of science than those in Japan? What role do cultural and economical factors play in how science is viewed and developed throughout the world? Our guest brings a global perspective.

The fruits of scientific advancement are all around us, from smartphones to electric toothbrushes to Roombas. But nearly half of the people we surveyed said science doesn't make much of a difference in their everyday lives. Our guests explore the major scientific innovations that shape the past and future of humanity.

Flying cars, teleportation, colonizing other planets: Science fiction has a unique idea of what the future of scientific advancement will look like. But who wants to run out of gas at 8,000 feet? Our guests discuss what the future of science will actually look like, and where we should be focusing our attention to improve humanity and protect the planet.

Over a third of adults say if science didn't exist, their lives would be about the same. Clearly, science has a public relations problem. How can we demonstrate the value of science to the public at large? Our guest shares how she helps shine a spotlight on how science affects our lives.

Science has advanced rapidly in the past decade. Has science education kept up with the changes? How can educators reach children who have the world’s knowledge — and infinite distractions — at their fingertips? Our guest Jeff Terry, Professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology, brings decades of experience in science education to explore these questions.

What inspires someone to choose a career in science? As we seek to ignite the passion of a new generation of scientists, it’s a crucial question to answer. Our guests discuss what started them on the path to a scientific career, and share their ideas on how we can shape the scientists of the future.  

What is the popular perception of science? Do people see how it affects their everyday lives? Are we inspiring and training the next generation of scientists? To answer these questions, 3M created the State of Science Index, a survey of over 14,000 people worldwide. In this special introductory episode, Chief Science Advocate Jayshree Seth explores key findings from the Index.