From hacking drones and exploring space to rethinking energy and even blowing stuff up, a popular program on the Forty Acres is helping students and the public learn about world-changing research.
Presented by the Environmental Science Institute, Hot Science — Cool Talks is a nationally recognized program for top researchers to share discoveries, breakthroughs and innovations with the public in an engaging setting.
Hot Science — Cool Talks attracts hundreds of students, families and attendees to each event, and even more watch live online and follow the series on iTunes.
And to help bring the research into classrooms beyond the Forty Acres, the program gives the K-12 educational community the materials needed to give lessons on cutting-edge topics.
To celebrate the 100th presentation in the program, here are five of the most popular Hot Science — Cool Talks for you to watch:
Reach for the Stars
by Sally Ride, former NASA astronaut
“On June 18, 1983, aboard the Orbiter Challenger, Sally Ride became the first American woman to fly in space. Dr. Ride discusses the challenges of space, our changing planet and science education in the U.S.”
How I Learned to Love Chemistry (or, Watch Dr. Laude Blow Stuff Up)
by David Laude, professor of chemistry and senior vice provost
“Chemistry is easy. Dr. Laude is tired of everyone taking three steps back every time he tells them that he is a chemist. He demonstrates how a few simple, recurring ideas in chemistry can help you understand concepts like climate change, how batteries work and how food is made.”
Two Guys on Your Head: If It’s Unsustainable, Why Does It Feel So Good?
by UT Austin professors Art Markman and Bob Duke and KUT Radio’s Rebecca McInroy
“What is it about human behavior that causes us to ignore the realities of our changing environment and other aspects of sustainability that affect our lives? How does the brain work when it comes to understanding what is happening in the world around us? These and other questions are explored by Two Guys on Your Head, Art Markman and Bob Duke, along with KUT Radio’s Rebecca McInroy.”
Power Trip: The Story of Energy
by Michael Webber, deputy director of the Energy Institute and associate professor of mechanical engineering
“How does energy impact the environment and our lives? Did you know that we use more water through our light switches and outlets than our faucets? Would it surprise you that there is more energy embedded in the food we Americans throw away than Switzerland uses in an entire year? In this talk, Dr. Webber provides a sweeping view of energy’s role in society over hundreds of years with fun facts, myth busting and an optimistic eye towards future technologies and solutions.” Watch the full presentation.
Drones: Myths, Facts, Hacks and The Future
by Todd Humphreys, associate professor of aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics
“Drones have been all over the media as well as our imaginations. What’s real and what’s possible for these remarkable flying machines? Todd Humphreys considers the ways drones can be used in the future versus what is portrayed in the movies. He also shows us how his team was the first to successfully demonstrate that drones could be commandeered by GPS hacking.” Watch the full presentation.
Want to help? Donate now via Hornraiser to help Hot Science — Cool Talks begin offering live Spanish translations during the events. Your support will also help acquire a new video streaming system so the lectures can be shared more widely.
