Out in nature is not rocket science, but it could be.

By: Alexus Robertson

I try to live my life with a thankful attitude. Even if a problem or obstacle arises I attempt to find gratitude in the lessons learned. We are on the precipice of global change and one activity that has sparked true excitement, joy, creativity, and science interest is all the rocket exploration and launches going on at the moment. I’m thankful for Elon Musk, especially because he has taken the idea of challenging our comfort zone and testing boundaries to a level we have not seen in years. He has inspired many people to find the joy and possibility of space exploration. How does he do it? He looks at our everyday lives and brainstorms ways to improve them. I then ask myself how I might be able to transfer the dedication and excitement of discovery over to my children. I realized I do not need to reinvent the wheel, I just need to send the kids outside.

You may laugh at this idea but we are so technology-driven these days we have the children sit in front of computers for hours. They are learning coding, cybersecurity, and computer science. Data and science are driving forces in our society. You send kids outside; they will start to learn how to apply those driving forces to everyday life and activities. It doesn’t take much. Rocks in water can show displacement and volume, watching birds you can learn quantum physics, or chopping down a tree your child will experience force times distance. Being out in nature is not rocket science, but it could be. Now is the time to combine all aspects and gifts we have at our fingertips nature, technology, science, and ourselves. The possibilities are limitless. Don’t be afraid to go outside in the heat, the sun can speak and share its secrets. There are many more mysteries to discover and being outside and physical plays a role in making those significant connections.

We took the kids out to the forest for Mother’s Day and they found awesome ways to explore and science connections were made. It helped that we brought a rocket to launch with us.

Written by:

Alexus Robertson

Assistant Director, Administration

Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology