How Science Helps Us Solve Everyday Problems

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This engaging video introduces students to the fundamental definition of science as a method of asking and answering questions through evidence. Hosted by a relatable presenter in a lab coat, the video uses everyday scenarios—like a flickering lightbulb, a rainy forecast, and a leaky umbrella—to demonstrate how scientific thinking applies to daily life. It breaks down complex disciplines like astronomy, meteorology, and material science into accessible examples that show how science explains the world around us. The content highlights four key functions of science: understanding the world, predicting future events, solving problems, and making informed decisions. Through the narrative of a single rainy day, students see how physicists, chemists, and engineers contribute to common objects like umbrellas. The video effectively illustrates the iterative nature of science, showing how testing different materials (fabric vs. plastic wrap) leads to better solutions. Teachers can use this video to launch a unit on the scientific method or the nature of science. It is particularly valuable for helping students recognize that science isn't just about laboratories and test tubes, but a mindset used to navigate everyday challenges. The video provides built-in pause points for reflection and note-taking, making it an interactive tool for classroom discussion about observation, hypothesis testing, and critical thinking.