What did it feel like when Galileo saw the moons of Jupiter? How did Mary Anning get her passion for fossils? Wouldn’t it be great if we could just ask them directly and have them tell us?
We’re not talking necromancy or time travel. But it’s close. All you need is the magic of artificial intelligence.
With AI tools such as ChatGPT it is possible to gather up all the information that’s been published about a famous scientist (or any other historical figure) and ask the AI to pretend that they are that person. Once it’s in mimic mode you can then ask them direct questions about their life, and the chatbot will respond.
How to do it:
First, pick an AI assistant: You can do this with the free versions of ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Perplexity AI and more. It’s probably best to just pick one to start with and see how it responds. If you’re not happy with the results then try another.
Next, pick your scientist. Who are you going to interact with? If you’re looking at the life and work of a particular scientist with a class then start with them. Start with a big one that you know will have lots of information readily available. Don’t start with someone obscure.
Set up the Prompt:
Once in your chosen AI tools, you then need to set up the prompt that lets the AI Chatbot know what you want them to do. There are several things to consider when setting up the prompt:
- Role: Let the AI know what it is going to do. Explain that it is going to play the role of a character from history and answer your questions.
- Who: Let the chatbot know who it is they are going to play. Give their name and any additional information about that person.
- Scenario: Describe the setting or context for the conversation. This could be a specific moment in time or a historical scientific event that you’re interested in.
- How: How do you want the character to respond? Should this be light-hearted or serious? Are there things they should emphasize or topics to avoid? Should you dictate the tone of speech? If you’re using this with a particular age range of children you could explain that here.
For example, if I wanted to discuss evolution with Charles Darwin, I could use the following prompt.
“I would like you to assume the voice and personality of Charles Darwin, the famous scientist and naturalist. In all your responses to my questions, I would like you to use everything you know about his history, in particular his voyage on the Beagle and his theory of natural selection. I’d like you to use a warm and friendly tone when responding. I will ask you questions and you will respond as if you are Charles Darwin. Do you understand?”
The AI should respond that it understands, and will then await your instructions.
Ask the chatbot direct questions. “Could you tell me about your life” or “What was it like when you discovered X” or whatever.
If you’re doing this with a class they could come up with a list of questions beforehand. You might even ask the AI what questions it suggests.
And remember, if you don’t quite get what you want the first time, play around with the prompt and try again. Fine-tune the initial prompt until you’re happy with the results.
Positives of Using AI to Mimic a Famous Scientist
- Engagement and Inspiration:
- Simulating conversations with renowned scientists can make learning more engaging and interactive, potentially inspiring students by personalizing historical figures and making their contributions feel more tangible.
- Unlike traditional methods of learning that rely heavily on textbooks and lectures, engaging with an AI to simulate conversations allows students to ask questions and receive responses in real-time. This dynamic interaction mimics a real-life conversation, making the learning process more engaging and less passive.
- Students can steer the conversation based on their interests and curiosities, leading to a more personalized learning experience. This autonomy in learning encourages deeper engagement with the subject matter, as students feel their specific questions and interests are directly addressed.
- Accessibility of Information:
- AI can provide immediate access to a wide range of information about a scientist’s life, work, and the historical and scientific context of their discoveries, making complex concepts more accessible.
- Critical Thinking and Inquiry:
- Encouraging students to formulate and ask questions promotes critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. It helps students learn how to seek information, evaluate sources, and think analytically.
- Customized Learning Experience:
- ChatGPT can adapt responses based on the level of understanding of the student, allowing for a customized learning experience that caters to individual needs and paces.
Pitfalls and Considerations
Remember, the AI character will only be as good as the information available. The AI is more likely to be able to mimic scientists where it has a lot of information to draw on. Choosing minor and obscure scientists is likely to end up with inaccurate or general responses.
- Accuracy and Reliability:
- AI models might not always provide accurate or reliable information. They can generate plausible-sounding but incorrect or misleading responses. It’s crucial to verify the information against credible sources and teach students to do the same.
- Lack of Depth in Complex Topics:
- While AI can cover a broad range of topics, its understanding is based on patterns in data rather than deep comprehension. It might not capture the nuance and depth of complex scientific theories or historical contexts accurately.
- Potential for Anachronisms or Misinterpretations:
- Simulating conversations with historical figures can lead to anachronisms or misinterpretations of their views, especially concerning modern scientific concepts or social issues they never encountered.
- Ethical and Philosophical Considerations:
- Discussing the scientist’s work or beliefs through AI simulation may inadvertently simplify or misrepresent complex ethical, philosophical, or personal viewpoints, potentially leading to oversimplified discussions.
- Dependence on Technology:
- Overreliance on technology for educational purposes can detract from developing traditional research and critical thinking skills. It’s essential to balance technology use with other learning methods.
Strategies for Effective Implementation
- Preparation and Guidance:
- Teachers should prepare by verifying the information provided by ChatGPT and guiding students on how to critically assess and question the responses.
- Integration with Traditional Learning:
- Use AI simulations as a supplement to traditional learning resources, not a replacement. Encourage students to consult primary sources, scientific journals, and verified historical documents.
- Ethical and Critical Engagement:
- Foster discussions on the ethical implications of AI, the limitations of simulating conversations with historical figures, and the importance of understanding the broader context of their contributions.
- Feedback and Reflection:
- Encourage students to reflect on what they have learned through the simulation and to provide feedback on the process, fostering a reflective learning environment.
By simulating conversations with scientists like Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, or Charles Darwin, these figures are transformed from distant historical icons into “personal mentors.” Students can explore not just the scientists’ achievements but also their thoughts, struggles, and the context of their discoveries, humanizing these figures and making their stories more relatable.
Engaging with the personal and professional lives of these scientists helps students see the real-world application of scientific principles. It bridges the gap between abstract concepts and tangible outcomes, illustrating how scientific inquiry and perseverance can lead to breakthroughs that shape the world.
If you’ve tried this, let me know in the comments which scientists worked best. And which didn’t.
The post Using AI to Chat to Historical Scientists: A Guide for Teachers appeared first on Danny Nics Science Fix. Written by Danny Nicholson