Last year, as a way to introduce the TEDxCanberra team to attendees and those watching online, we ran a very successful series of posts where each of the core group showed their three favorite TEDTalks and explained why they has chosen those talks.
This year, we’re doing a similar thing, only in keeping with our theme of Reflections. Happenings. Predictions. each team member will reflect on one of their all-time favorite TEDTalks and show a new, happening, favorite that’s been posted since TEDxCanberra 2010.
AnnMarie Thomas: Hands-on science with squishy circuits
AnnMarie Thomas demonstrates how simple homemade play dough can be used to teach kids, big and small, about electrical properties. The ability to make lessons about electronics so tangible, accessible and fun is so fascinating — I wish I had this play and learn opportunity as a child. As an adult getting in to electronics now, I can see how using these simple tools can break down the mental barriers of “scary sciencey stuff” that young girls particularly could have.
Ron Gutman: The hidden power of smiling
Ron Gutman explores studies that show a dependency between peoples’ smiles in photos and their success and longevity. It reminds me that I need to smile more!
And finally, one of my favourite TED talks of all time is James Randi’s fiery takedown of psychic fraud. I briefly met Mr Randi when he visited Australia last year, and was too starstruck to do anything but giggle as he performed the coin-from-behind-the-ear trick on me. Such a brilliant man who speaks out against the scam artists of the world. This fascinating talk is a funny, insightful look into irrational beliefs.