Today I went to a Science Museum for fun and nerdness. After pulling myself away from the history of mathematics I walked about, noticing all the mothers and fathers showing their kids around and sharing in the wonders of curiosity.

Later I checked out a hands-on display, with foam carbon atoms and bonds and a base to create a model for a carbon nano-tube. I started playing with it and inviting kids who seemed curious to join in. A particular pair of young girls dove right in and picked it up immediately, which was a bit surprising as most kids seemed a bit confused initially by it. Their father eventually said they had to go, but I stopped him and asked he encourage their aptitude however he could.

I was initially reluctant to interact with kids like this, being both a man and potentially an intimidating one at 6'4. My facial hair from no-shave November probably wasn't helping. Nonetheless I wanted to share my appreciation for math and science with the kids that were curious, and encourage especially those that demonstrated interest and talent. I was generally well received and didn't get any explicit "creep" comments, and it felt good to interact with children without being explicitly labeled as a predator, let alone received warmly.