The Scientific Influencers: Making Science Accessible on Social Media
Do scientific fields still attract students? While some school reforms and career choices seem to push some students away from mathematics or chemistry, another dynamic is emerging in parallel: that of science popularization on social networks.
On TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram, teachers and content creators gather thousands – sometimes millions – of subscribers by making science more accessible, concrete, and attractive. Short videos, pop culture references, examples from daily life or current events: everything is used by these “teacher-influencers” to capture attention and stimulate interest.
And if, without even realizing it, students are revising while scrolling? But in an era that prefers emotions and beliefs to scientific knowledge, can this new way of transmitting knowledge really reconcile young people with these demanding disciplines? And how can these digital formats be integrated with traditional classroom teaching?
With: – Morgan Lechat, known as @monsieurlechat94, physics-chemistry teacher and creator of scientific content. – Estelle Dalens, known as @wonderwomath, educational engineer and creator of mathematical content. – Idriss Mahamat Al-Habib, petroleum engineer and aerial navigation specialist turned mathematics teacher and creator of mathematical content, known on TikTok as Ben Academy.
At the beginning of the program, “Schools around the world” with Bruno Duval, RFI correspondent in Tokyo, Japan, where a petition, signed by tens of thousands, was presented to the Minister of Education. The signatories demand a reform of the content of sexual education courses, which they find lacking.
At the end of the program, “One parent, one question” and advice from psychologist Ibrahima Giroux, professor at Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis, Senegal. He answers a question from Souleymane in Dakar, whose 6-year-old son still does not speak.
Musical Programming: – “Like Me” by Jelani Blackman, Badger – “Fais tout doux” by Saina Manotte, Lucas Seb
Subscribe to “8 billion neighbors”: “8 billion neighbors” is available on all podcast platforms: Pure radio, Spotify, Apple podcasts, Deezer. If you enjoy this podcast, give it 5 stars and leave a comment on these applications to make it more visible and therefore more listened to! Find us on our social networks: Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp Channel.
