About the lecture

This lecture traces the evolution of physics — from the early mysteries of electrostatics and magnetism to the revolutionary discoveries of Oersted, Faraday, and Maxwell that gave rise to modern field theory. It celebrates Michael Faraday’s relentless curiosity and his belief in understanding nature for its own sake. Faraday’s work not only redefined our perception of reality but also demonstrated how fundamental scientific exploration can lead to profound technological innovation. Through his story, the talk highlights how curiosity-driven research continues to shape today’s technologies and offers lessons for nurturing inquiry and creativity in science education

About the speaker

Arthur Eisenkraft is a Distinguished Professor of Science Education, Professor of Physics, and Director of the Centre of Science and Math in Context (COSMIC) at the University of Massachusetts Boston. A past President of the National Science Teachers Association, he has championed project-based learning through Active Physics and Active Chemistry. He co-founded and chairs the Toshiba/​NSTA ExploraVision Awards, engaging over 15,000 students annually for more than 30 years. Dr Eisenkraft also leads the Wipro Science Education Fellowship Programme, advancing teacher leadership across U.S. school districts. His research focuses on teacher development and curriculum reform. A Fellow of the AAAS, he has received multiple honours, including the National Science Board’s Public Service Award, AAPT’s Millikan Medal, and NSTA’s Carleton Award, and holds a patent for a laser vision testing system.