USU's Science Unwrapped Explores How We Learn, How We Should Teach on Friday, Sept. 13

Celebrated 20th century scientist Albert Einstein once said: “The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.”

It’s a favorite quote of Utah State University learning scientist Hillary Swanson, assistant professor in USU’s Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences.

“As a learning scientist, I look at learning as a refinement of intuitive or prior knowledge,” Swanson says.

The former high school science and mathematics teachers explores how engaging in scientific practices helps students refine common sense and everyday thinking into scientific understanding. Collaborating with USU physicists and computer scientists, along with Cache County teachers, Swanson designs classroom science activities that help students transform daydreams into big ideas.

Swanson will present “How Do We Learn and How Should We Teach?” on Friday, Sept. 13, as the featured speaker for USU’s Science Unwrapped public outreach program at 7 p.m. in the Emert Auditorium, Room ESLC 130, of the Eccles Science Learning Center.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

Hands-on learning activities led by USU student groups and community volunteers, along with refreshments, follow Swanson’s presentation. The talk will also be recorded and posted on the Science Unwrapped website within a week of the in-person event.

Directions and parking information are available on the program’s website.

Swanson’s talk is the kick-off presentation in Science Unwrapped’s fall 2024 Joining Forces series.

“Our new series explores the synergy and innovation that develop when we collaborate in scientific activity and research across divergent disciplines,” says Brynja Kohler, Science Unwrapped chair, associate dean in the College of Science and professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “We’ll hear from scientists from a wide range of fields, who work with people of varied expertise to come up with creative, sustainable solutions.”

In addition to Swanson’s Sept. 13 talk, upcoming “Join Forces” series talks include:

• Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, “Can We Live the Good Life and Keep Our Planet Healthy?” USU watershed scientist Patrick Belmont
• Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, “Artificial Intelligence is an Astounding Innovation, But Can We Trust It?” USU data scientist John Lawson

Established in 2009, Science Unwrapped is hosted by USU’s College of Science.

For more information, call 435-797-3517, visit the Science Unwrapped website or view the “Science Unwrapped at USU” Facebook page.