Long after those physics definitions have faded from memory, we can often recall stories associated with the scientists behind an idea.  For example, many people who can no longer state Archimedes' Principle formally, (that the ratio of a body's weight to that of the displaced water is called its specific gravity) still remember that Archimedes ran down the street almost naked shouting in Greek, "Eureka! Eureka!", or "I've found it! I've found it!"

The fuss began when King Heiron grew suspicious that his new crown was not solid gold, but gold alloyed with a cheaper metal.  Short of melting it down, Archimedes knew of no quick way to determine the crown's composition.  But as he stepped into his bath, which happened to be full to the brim, he had a brainstorm that allegedly turned him into the first scientific streaker.

He compared the volume of water displaced by a lump of gold weighing exactly the same as the crown, with the volume of water displaced by the crown itself.  Archimedes was able to show that the King had indeed been cheated because the alloyed crown displaced more water than the pure lump of gold.  The dishonest jeweller was never heard from again.

So next time you forget the details or definition, remember there's always a person, and a moment of inspiration behind a great idea.

These stories tend to stick in our minds because we can make a mental picture of them.  We don't make visual images of their laws and discoveries.  However, by using the mental pictures we can usually describe what the laws are about. 

This use of mental pictures seems to be the principle that grandparents all over the world tap into when they relate truths via stories which illustrate them.  Young children love to hear stories - repeatedly.  Story-telling is much more effective teaching tool than we usually acknowledge, because the pictures are there to recapture at will.

As adults, we sometimes feel that we have out-grown the story.  "Just give me the facts," we say.  Stories take time in the telling.  Facts are speedily delivered.  But perhaps, after all, there is a place for story in our grown-up, sophisticated world.

Societies use cultural stories to give shape to their identity, values and character.  Consider, for instance, the epic poems of Homer which shaped and reflected ancient Greek values.

Likewise, religions also use stories.  Sometimes the stories are historical accounts, such as the Jews recorded and preserved in their holy scripture.  At other times, religions use stories in the form of parables or allegories to teach principles.  Jesus often conveyed truth through these genres.

Though stories may be entertaining and memorable, remember to look behind the story to see what values it supports and what claims it makes.  Sometimes they are easy to identify, other times more difficult, but all the time worth the effort.