In a world where misinformation is prevalent, geophysicist Philip Heron is dedicated to promoting the value of critical thinking. Heron is the creator of Think Like a Scientist, a program he initially introduced in the U.K. and has since brought to Canada. Despite its brevity – lasting only seven weeks – the program has not only been implemented in schools but also in correctional facilities, surprising many. Some participants have found the program to be transformative, including Dalton Harrison, who, after attending the program in prison, is now pursuing a master’s degree in criminology.
Heron, who teaches at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus, developed Think Like a Scientist to teach the scientific method to individuals who may not consider themselves science enthusiasts, particularly those who have been incarcerated. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that failure, both in life and in science, can lead to success. Heron acknowledges that many incarcerated individuals have had negative experiences with traditional education due to various factors such as learning differences, race, gender, or class. Therefore, he structures his program differently, fostering open discussions rather than following a conventional classroom format.
Topics covered in the program range from climate change to robotics, encouraging participants to explore various scientific subjects. Embracing failure is a central theme in the course, as Heron highlights that setbacks are a natural part of the scientific process. By sharing insights on space exploration and mental health from Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques, Heron aims to inspire his students to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Former students of Heron’s program, like Phoenix Griffin, have been motivated to pursue academic endeavors of their own after being inspired by the course. Griffin, now in her third year of university after leaving prison, attributes her newfound confidence and willingness to try new things to the program’s transformative impact. The emphasis on learning from mistakes and embracing failures has provided a fresh perspective for many participants, opening up new possibilities for personal and academic growth.