Mistakes and how they shaped the world | Arjun Singh Patnaik | TEDxKings College School

Scientific and food discoveries that began with an error, such as penicillin and polyethylene, are the focus of this TEDxKings College School talk. The speaker examines what the people involved did after something went wrong, and why some accidents lead to breakthroughs while others are simply lost time. The talk is given by Arjun Singh Patnaik, a Year 8 pupil at King's College School, Wimbledon.

• Accidental discoveries in science and food, including penicillin and polyethylene
• What people did after an unexpected mistake
• Why some accidents become discoveries and others do not
• Talk by a Year 8 pupil at King's College School, Wimbledon

Arjun looks at a series of discoveries in science and in food that began with something going wrong, from penicillin to polyethylene. His interest is in what the people involved did next, and in why an accident becomes a discovery for some and a wasted afternoon for others. Arjun is a Year 8 pupil at King's College School, Wimbledon, who loves Mathematics and Science and is passionate about learning new things. Outside the classroom, he runs a school club with some of his friends. In his free time, he plays squash and cricket, and enjoys reading and the occasional video game. He is also an avid chess player and represents both the school and Surrey at chess. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx