Inspiring Through Outreach
One of the best parts of leading the Youth Astronomers Society of Seattle (YASS) isn’t just the research or late-night star parties, it’s about sharing science with younger students. We’ve been lucky enough to bring astronomy and hands-on projects to classrooms and Girl Scout troops, where we try to inspire kids to be curious about STEM and science.
Science Badges and Smiles
When we visited local Girl Scout troops, the energy was contagious. We talked about space, stars, and the big questions scientists ask every day. But we didn’t just talk, we also built! The scouts got to design and assemble their own Mars rovers out of everyday materials like cardboard, paper straws, tape, and egg cartons. It was amazing to see how creative they were, turning simple supplies into working “rovers” that could explore imaginary Martian terrain. At the end, the kids surprised us with heartfelt thank-you notes! Those notes are still some of my favorite reminders of why outreach matters.
Why It Matters
Astronomy is one of those rare sciences that anyone can get curious about. You don’t need fancy equipment to start, you just need questions and imagination. By building Mars rovers, discussing the mysteries of the cosmos, and showing kids how science works in practice, we open doors for the next generation. As part of YASS, I couldn’t be happier knowing that our outreach might inspire a future scientist, or just give a child the confidence to explore their own curiosity.
