Yesterday, I was in the lab, trying to get my setup working before next Thursday's meeting, when I saw Carrol with some kids coming into the lab. She then introduced her daughter and two lovely grandkids, both girls, to me. The kids were in 6th grade school, and were on vacation from Arlington, TX. Carrol explained to them about my research, but then wanted me to tell them more. So I started explaining to them about wastewater treatment and how I was trying to get rid of the 'microbes' in the dirty water. And then, one of the kids asked me, "Is this science"?
That question startled me for a second. I have interacted with high school kids and have talked to toddlers (who have no other option but to listen, and they can't talk back!), but it has really been a long time I talked to kids in primary/middle school, and that too about research. For kids, there is a clear demarcation of science, history and language. What we see as molecular genetics, wastewater treatment and wireless communication, they see as 'science'.
I replied to her, saying "Yes, this is science and engineering". This was not the only one, there were more to follow. The kid later asked me, "We have our school from 8 in the morning till 3.30 in the afternoon. Do you also have a specific time at which you come here and then leave". The whole conversation with the kids set me thinking on how far I have come from school. At her age, I would have asked similar questions to a graduate student. I don't know if she understood my explanations, but when asked about research and my work, she said, "It is very interesting and exciting". I hope she carries positive memories of this conversation and choses a profession that best appeals to her.
That question startled me for a second. I have interacted with high school kids and have talked to toddlers (who have no other option but to listen, and they can't talk back!), but it has really been a long time I talked to kids in primary/middle school, and that too about research. For kids, there is a clear demarcation of science, history and language. What we see as molecular genetics, wastewater treatment and wireless communication, they see as 'science'.
I replied to her, saying "Yes, this is science and engineering". This was not the only one, there were more to follow. The kid later asked me, "We have our school from 8 in the morning till 3.30 in the afternoon. Do you also have a specific time at which you come here and then leave". The whole conversation with the kids set me thinking on how far I have come from school. At her age, I would have asked similar questions to a graduate student. I don't know if she understood my explanations, but when asked about research and my work, she said, "It is very interesting and exciting". I hope she carries positive memories of this conversation and choses a profession that best appeals to her.
1 comment:
dropped by here after a while. nice to know you are having fun :)
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