People once believed the Earth was flat. That illnesses were caused by bad smells. And that bleeding a patient with leeches could cure almost anything. In this Shortcut, released for National Science Week, we dig into some of the biggest scientific ideas that turned out to be wrong. We’ll explore how science corrects itself through experiments, evidence, and peer review, and why admitting mistakes is what makes it so powerful. Plus, we uncover the myth that caused real-world harm before the facts set the record straight. So, pop on your safety goggles, it’s time to investigate!

For the full episode transcript, click here.

Sciencey Shortcut Archive

SpaceThe Space Race - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/your-shortcut-to-the-space-race/⁠The Webb Deep Space Telescope - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/the-webb-deep-space-telescope/⁠Mars - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/mars/⁠

EnvironmentThe Great Barrier Reef - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/the-great-barrier-reef/⁠The Deep Sea - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/the-deep-sea/⁠Water - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/water/⁠Climate Change - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/climate-change-cop28-shortcut/⁠

BodyVanquished Viruses and Banished Bacteria ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/your-shortcut-to-vanquished-viruses-and-banished-bacteria/⁠Blood - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/blood/⁠The History of Vaccines - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/the-history-of-vaccines/⁠

Natural PhenomenaEarthquakes and Volcanoes - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/earthquakes-and-volcanoes/⁠Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/your-shortcut-to-cyclones-hurricanes-and-typhoons/⁠Bushfires - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/bushfires_shortcut/⁠The Secret World of Maths - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/the-secret-world-of-maths/⁠The Theory of Evolution - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/your-shortcut-to-the-theory-of-evolution/⁠

AnimalsGalapagos Islands - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/the-galapagos-islands/⁠Invasive Species - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/the-deep-sea/⁠Sharks - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/your-shortcut-to-sharks/⁠World's Toughest Animals - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/your-shortcut-to-the-worlds-toughest-animals/⁠Clever Critters - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/clever-critters/⁠

OtherSugar - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/sugar/⁠Aussie Inventions That Changed The World - ⁠https://www.squizkids.com.au/squiz-kids-shortcuts/aussie-inventions-that-changed-the-world/⁠