Hey there! I’m Henry, and I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you. We’ve been working on a new series, or at least a pilot episode for a new series, and I can’t wait for you to check it out. It’s available on an online streaming platform called Verve, which hosts a variety of long-form shows. Verve approached us to develop a show, so I teamed up with the Minute Earth team and Derek Muller from Veritasium to create “Paradigms.” Let me give you a sneak peek into what it’s all about!
In the first episode of “Paradigms,” we dive into the science of sight. Did you know that the philosopher Plato once suggested that sight was like a “visual fire”? He thought this fire somehow combined with daylight, allowing us to see objects from far away. Although Plato’s idea was a bit vague, it made sense to people back then for several reasons. For instance, animals’ eyes seem to shine at night, and people often have a twinkle in their eyes. Plus, there were beliefs about the mystical powers of a gaze, like the feeling of being watched or the idea of the “evil eye” that could harm someone just by looking at them.
However, even in ancient times, people noticed some problems with this “visual rays” theory. For example, if beams had to travel to the stars and back, how could we see stars instantly when we opened our eyes at night? And why couldn’t we see in the dark? These questions showed the limitations of the old theory.
The show “Paradigms” explores how we come to know what we know. It highlights how our understanding of vision has evolved. We now know that sight is more about how our brain processes information than just our eyes. The key takeaway is that to replace an old theory, we need a new one that explains things more clearly and with fewer problems.
I’m excited to invite you to watch the first episode of “Paradigms” for free on Verve. If you find it interesting, please share it with your friends and leave comments. Your support could help turn this pilot into a full series! However, there’s a small catch—it’s currently only available in the US. We’re working on making it accessible to international viewers soon. So, if you know anyone in the US, let them know about it!
Creating “Paradigms” was a lot of fun, and it’s a bit different from our usual Minute Physics content. It’s longer, with more animation, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it. Thanks for your support, and I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Research the evolution of vision theories from ancient times to modern science. Create a timeline that highlights key figures, such as Plato, and their contributions to our understanding of sight. Present your timeline to the class and discuss how each theory contributed to the development of current scientific knowledge.
Participate in a classroom debate where you will be divided into two groups. One group will defend ancient theories of vision, like Plato’s “visual fire,” while the other group will argue in favor of modern scientific understanding. Use evidence from your research to support your arguments and engage in a lively discussion.
Work in small groups to create a short animation that explains the concept of how sight works according to modern science. Use simple drawings or digital tools to illustrate how light enters the eye and is processed by the brain. Share your animations with the class and discuss the creative process.
If possible, watch the first episode of “Paradigms” on Verve. Write a review that includes your thoughts on the content, presentation, and what you learned about the science of sight. Share your review with the class and discuss whether you think the show should be developed into a full series.
Design and conduct a simple experiment to explore how light and sight work. For example, you could investigate how different lighting conditions affect your ability to see objects clearly. Record your observations and present your findings to the class, explaining the scientific principles behind your experiment.
Philosopher – A person who studies ideas about knowledge, truth, and the nature of life. – The philosopher spent years contemplating the meaning of existence and the universe.
Sight – The ability to see; the act of seeing something. – The scientist used a telescope to improve his sight of distant stars and planets.
Science – The study of the natural world based on facts learned through experiments and observation. – In science class, we learned about the laws of motion and how they apply to everyday life.
Visual – Relating to seeing or sight. – The visual representation of the data helped the students understand the experiment’s results better.
Paradigms – A typical example or pattern of something; a model. – The shift in scientific paradigms led to new ways of thinking about the universe.
Understanding – The ability to comprehend or grasp the meaning of something. – Her understanding of the complex theory improved after she read several articles on the topic.
Theory – A system of ideas intended to explain something, based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained. – The theory of relativity changed how scientists viewed time and space.
Brain – The organ in the head that controls thought, memory, and emotion. – Neuroscientists study how the brain processes information and controls behavior.
Information – Facts or data about a particular subject. – The internet is a vast source of information on a wide range of scientific topics.
Evolution – The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth. – The theory of evolution explains how species adapt to their environments over time.
