Ideas worth spreading

How simple ideas lead to scientific discoveries

3,252,384 views | Adam Savage • TED-Ed

Adam Savage walks through two spectacular examples of profound scientific discoveries that came from simple, creative methods anyone could have followed -- Eratosthenes' calculation of the Earth's circumference around 200 BC and Hippolyte Fizeau's measurement of the speed of light in 1849.

Adam Savage walks through two spectacular examples of profound scientific discoveries that came from simple, creative methods anyone could have followed -- Eratosthenes' calculation of the Earth's circumference around 200 BC and Hippolyte Fizeau's measurement of the speed of light in 1849.

This video was produced by TED-Ed, TED’s youth and education initiative. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TED-Ed.

Meet the educator

Maker, critical thinker

See speaker profile

Adam Savage is an internationally renowned television producer, host and public speaker.

Learn more

About TED-Ed

TED-Ed Original lessons feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators.

Learn more about TED-Ed

This video was produced by TED-Ed, TED’s youth and education initiative. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TED-Ed.