DeGrasse Tyson: Science literacy begins with adults
I had the good fortune to be included in a news conference Wednesday with noted astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson before he gave his lecture at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman.
Each reporter was allowed one question.
"What do you see as the most important methodology to encourage curiosity in young people while also garnering support from the public, lawmakers and educational professionals?" I posed. Tyson's answer surprised me, but in a good way.
Tyson responded, "The problem isn't, 'How do we get kids interested in science?' It's "How do we remove adults from serving as a blockade to the continuance of curiosity?'"
His answer was much longer and more interesting than that, but this column can only be so long. Tyson went on to explain his reasoning, saying children do not care what Congress is up to — they are more interested in snow falling and the worm under a rock. They're more interested in the night sky and flower petals.
This was an eloquent and simple answer to my admittedly overly complex question. Support can't be given by the public, lawmakers and education professionals — it can only be taken away. The only way to foster science literacy is not to suppress a child's curiosity.
We have the responsibility as adults to put forth an environment where children can freely think and ask questions. Adults are in a unique position to be able to take away that environment, which can diminish that natural curiosity.
Tyson never set out to inspire the next generation of thinkers to be interested in the sciences.
"We can put all our focus on children, but I'm too impatient to wait 40 years until they become president to decide that's when the country becomes scientifically literate once again," he said.
Barriers to children's natural curiosity are the only thing that limits its bounds. If a child doesn't hesitate to pose questions and explore new ideas, that curiosity never fades, and instead, manifests itself in a true longing for knowledge. We are a knowledge-hungry species; we want all the answers.
When Tyson first stepped off the airplane, the first thing he noticed was our wide-open Montana sky. Immediately, he was able to locate Jupiter and other celestial bodies. Having that kind of opportunity in our own backyard is something we often take for granted. More populous areas have obstacles such as light pollution, limiting the ability to observe space. Imagine how many more children would have an interest in space exploration if they could see what we see in Montana's sky every night.
On a clear night, go outside, far away from any light source, and look up. There is still plenty to be curious about. It's time for us to revisit that childlike wonder of not knowing the answer. Instead of fearing the unknown, embrace the possibility of discovery.
When we can encompass that feeling once more, the possibilities for future generations are endless.
Keep looking up.
Cory Hertenstein is a producer for the Tribune. Reach him at chertenstein@greatfallstribune.com. Follow him on Twitter @GFTrib_Chert.
Coming Monday
More coverage of Tyson's visit on Monday's Class Act page in the Tribune