The Discovery Without the Credit
Write an essay about a lesser-known scientist whose discoveries changed the course of history. Detail their experiments, the impact of their findings, and why they haven't received as much recognition as their peers.
Suggested length: An essay or article: 800 to 2,500 words
Start the clock
Pick a sprint, press start and keep going until it stops. Momentum beats polish on a first draft.
Make it yours
Three ways to take this prompt somewhere nobody else will.
- Include a counterargument and answer it fairly.
- Cut every sentence that only repeats the one before it.
- Find one surprising fact and build around it.
Writing science books
How the world works, explained by someone who loves it.
Popular science makes research readable: black holes, genes, the brain, the climate. It's written for curious people without the background, and it succeeds when they finish feeling smarter rather than lectured.
What readers expect
- Complex ideas made clear
- Wonder and curiosity
- Stories of discovery
- Accurate, current science
A tip before you start
Lead with a mystery or a person, then bring in the science. Curiosity will carry readers through the hard parts.
More Science prompts
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- The Scientist History ForgotWrite a narrative exploring the impact of a lesser-known scientist whose work has significantly influenced modern science. Dive into their…
- The Discovery That Changed Daily LifeWrite an essay that explores the impact of a specific scientific discovery on our everyday lives. How has this discovery changed the way we live…
- Science and Its LimitsDescribe the ethical dilemmas faced by researchers in a particular field of science (e.g., genetics, artificial intelligence). Write as if you are a…
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