"We need to be bold in education and science research" - Derek Muller

This episode continues in our series of interviews of Adventurous people named Derek!

Derek Muller, PhD is a passionate science educator, communicator, and filmmaker. He earned his PhD in Physics education from the University of Sydney and is the founder and creator of the popular YouTube Channel Veritasium YouTube Channel, a science YouTube channel with over 3 million subscribers.

Derek has also served as a TV presenter for the Australian show Catalyst and hosted the 2015 Google science fair awards.

I'm excited for this interview because I've long been a fan of Derek's work. When I was in grad school for microbiology I considered being a science journalist along the same lines, so it's really cool to get an inside peek into the science video world.

We take a dive into Derek's thoughts about how we will learn and consume information in the future, the age old question of quality vs. quantity in creative work, Derek's favorite science communicators, and make sure you listen to the end to find out if it really is possible to go crazy in the world's quietest place.

If you love science, have ever wanted to be a YouTube creator, or wondered about the future of education, this is the episode for you!



What you will learn in this episode:

-Is it possible to go crazy in the worlds quietest place?

-What is the future of education given the internet is full of information?

-Who are Derek Muller's heroes?

-Elements that make a good educational video (hint: start with the misconceptions)

-Which should you aim for: quantity vs. quality in creative work

-The educational video business model

-The slow and steady approach punctuated by viral hits

-Why Derek consults with the public at the beginning of his videos

 

Quotes:

"We need to be bold in education and science research"- Derek Muller

"I experiment a lot with my videos" - Derek Muller

"We need educational guides"- Derek Muller

"Information is everywhere, but so much of it is wrong"- Derek Muller

"It is always worth it to swing for the fences in creative work"- Derek Muller

"I want to make arguments for people to engage with"- Derek Muller

"There is no stamp of approval needed for creative careers"- Derek Muller

"Focus on process in the early stages of your career"- Derek Muller

"Adventure is not knowing where you will end up or if you are well enough prepared"- Derek Muller
Continue the Adventure (Resources from this episode):
Veritasium.com

Veritasium YouTube Channel

2Veritasium YouTube Channel

Catalyst TV Presenter

Derek's Chemistry Educational Toy Snatoms

Derek Muller's PhD Thesis



Derek's Recommendations:

YouTube Channels:

VSauce

Minute Physics