Can Experiments Change the Way We Learn Science? | Dr M. A. Rehman | TEDxCNS Pune Youth

Science education can move beyond memorisation when students observe, experiment, question and discover for themselves. Drawing on more than 25 years of fundamental research in astrophysics and atomic physics, the speaker looks at how principles of scientific research can shape K–12 classrooms. The talk introduces the PBL-TDLE Framework, which combines problem-based learning, demonstrations and experiments to build conceptual understanding and structured problem-solving.

• Shifting K–12 science learning from memorisation to investigation
• The PBL-TDLE Framework: problem-based learning, demonstrations and experiments
• Building conceptual understanding and structured problem-solving skills
• Speaker background in astrophysics and atomic physics research

What if students learned science not just by reading about it, but by observing, experimenting, questioning and discovering for themselves? Drawing on over 25 years of experience in fundamental research in astrophysics and atomic physics, this speaker explores how the principles of scientific research can transform K–12 education. Through the PBL-TDLE Framework, which combines problem-based learning, demonstrations and experiments, the talk presents an approach to helping students move beyond memorisation towards conceptual understanding and structured problem-solving. The central idea is simple: when students learn to investigate, analyse and verify, classrooms can become spaces where curiosity leads to discovery and learning prepares them to solve unfamiliar problems. Because the future of science depends not only on what students know, but on how they learn to think. With over 25 years of experience in fundamental research, he has worked in astrophysics and atomic physics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai. His research spans the origins of the universe, stellar evolution, and the connection between space science and the origins of life, resulting in over 25 international journal publications. As Founder and Chief Academic Architect of THECREATOR Education, he developed the PBL-TDLE Framework to bring research-based learning, experimentation, and structured problem-solving into K–12 education. His mission is to nurture curious, independent thinkers and future innovators. 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