Chapter 1: The Foundation of Curiosity

One morning in the 1980s, my mother and I ventured from Juarez, Mexico, to El Paso, Texas, to explore garage sales, a beloved activity of hers. She often found great bargains on essentials for our home, clothing for my grandmother's resale, or affordable toys. We would rise early, hop into the car, and head towards the suburbs of El Paso.

The best finds were typically near Fort Bliss, where military families frequently moved, eager to part with their belongings.

On that particular day, we stumbled upon a garage sale featuring a blue container priced at $10. Upon opening it, I discovered a light microscope complete with extra slides and lenses. My mom agreed to purchase it for me, and that moment marked a turning point in my life.

Once home, I eagerly set it up according to the manual and headed into the yard to gather items for observation. That entire afternoon was spent examining leaves, sand, rocks, droplets of water, and even some of my skin cells. Each discovery was a marvel, even if I didn’t fully comprehend what I was observing.

Mom further fueled my curiosity by purchasing a children’s encyclopedia from a door-to-door salesman. This collection of around 20 books was brimming with knowledge, and I immersed myself in them, eager to learn. This passion seamlessly complemented my public school education.

My father, a car mechanic with a basic education, was always ready to explain things when I had questions. He taught me concepts like how a car acts as a Faraday cage during a lightning storm and the mechanics behind rack and pinion steering. Thanks to him, engines with countless moving parts don't intimidate me.

But what about my role as a parent? The challenges I face today differ significantly from those my parents encountered. While they dealt with religious relatives whose views clashed with scientific understanding, my wife and I are surrounded by scientists and secular friends. My in-laws have no qualms about scientific principles; in fact, they often express outrage against anti-vaccine rhetoric.

Our hurdles are societal rather than familial. Numerous individuals and organizations target my daughter, seeking to sway her into becoming an anti-science, anti-vaccine advocate. They spread misinformation, claiming that our work is financed by “Big Pharma” and that we’re engaged in malevolent endeavors.

They produce children's literature and catchy songs to undermine scientific principles. They even go so far as to contact me at work — and occasionally at home — with threats aimed at leaving my daughter without at least one of her parents, all because we stand firm for truth and integrity.

As soon as she began playing with toys, I invested in scientific toys that would teach her about physics and motion. Understanding how things operate will equip her to recognize when events deviate from the established laws of the universe. This knowledge also enhances her appreciation for magic tricks. “Silly dad. It’s a magic trick. He didn’t make that coin disappear.”

We encouraged friends and family to gift her books instead of toys. Exposing her to diverse thoughts and experiences is crucial for her development and ability to empathize with others. Studying history, and hopefully learning from it, will help her avoid repeating past mistakes.

But what about spirituality? As I mentioned earlier, I identify as Christian, yet I find myself disheartened by the anti-science sentiments prevalent among some Christians, particularly evangelicals. I want to shield my daughter from that mindset. For now, we’re postponing any religious instruction. When we do introduce her to spirituality, we will cover all religions and belief systems, allowing her to choose her path without judgment from us.

The world will present enough challenges, from global climate change to rising extremism. She will need all the tools we can provide. Chief among them will be a strong foundation in science — a means to navigate the world and scrutinize the “evidence” presented by those seeking to mislead her. She will peer through a microscope, remaining steadfast against anti-vaccine advocates. She will gaze through a telescope, unconvinced by flat-Earth theories. She will grasp the electromagnetic spectrum and reject claims about 5G being a source of evil.

After all, everyone knows the true villain is dial-up modems.

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, is a public health doctor, epidemiologist, amateur photographer, and enthusiastic runner, cyclist, and swimmer. He balances his family life with work as an epidemiologist in Virginia, teaching at a local university and at one of the world’s leading schools of public health. His views in this blog post reflect his personal opinions and do not necessarily represent those of his employers, friends, or family.

Section 1.1: Nurturing Scientific Understanding

In fostering a scientific mindset, it’s essential to introduce children to concepts early on.

This video discusses the importance of nurturing intellectual curiosity in children, emphasizing the ways parents can encourage exploration and scientific thinking.

Subsection 1.1.1: Tools for Learning

Incorporating scientific toys into playtime can significantly enhance a child's understanding of physics and motion.