144 - Carl Wieman: Winning the Nobel Prize, Bose-Einstein Condensates, & Science Education

Carl Wieman is Cheriton Family Professor, Professor of Physics, and Professor of Education Emeritus at Stanford University and winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physics for the production and observation of the first Bose-Einstein condensate. In addition to his extensive work in atomic and optical physics, Carl has pioneered the use of experimental techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of various teaching strategies for physics and other sciences. He also served as Associate Director for Science in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. This episode constitutes a deep dive in two directions. First, Robinson and Carl discuss the trajectory of his career and research and how it led to his work on Bose-Einstein condensates that won the Nobel Prize. Then they turn to science education, including what’s wrong with it and how it can be improved.

Improving How Universities Teach Science: https://a.co/d/5HA980y

OUTLINE

00:00 In This Episode…

01:02 Introduction

03:41 Getting into Physics

10:03 What is Parity Violation in Physics

16:38 How Can A Laser Trap and Cool Atoms?

25:48 What is Spin?

35:59 What is a Bose-Einstein Condensate?

45:11 The Experiment

52:57 Applications of BECs

57:22 Getting Into Education Research

01:04:43 The Science Education Initiative

01:19:31 Implementing Education Initiatives

01:25:31 What Makes for Effective Teaching?

01:31:40 Equity in Education

01:36:15 Teacher Evaluation

01:43:09 Steps of Restructuring

01:42:40 Final Thoughts

Robinson’s Website: http://robinsonerhardt.com

Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University. Join him in conversations with philosophers, scientists, weightlifters, artists, and everyone in-between.