A Note from Miss Kate (The Lavender Librarian)
I squealed when I found a response from Emily Calandrelli in my inbox! I’m so grateful to have a celebrity(!) science educator — celebrity educators being my favourite kind of celebrities — to answer some of my questions about the evolving role of libraries in supporting science literacy.
I’m so grateful to Emily for her time and her thoughtful answers to our questions.
I was floored when I asked her what she wished everyone understood about science:
“I wish everyone understood that science is a process – it’s not a set of facts to be memorized. The scientific method is a way for us to build our understanding of the world.” – Emily Calandrelli
What an opportunity we’ve been given: this is something we can actively teach through storytime and other library programs. When is the answer we most need so child-appropriate?
We have the opportunity to set little people up with an understanding of what science is: a process. Children are natural scientists and I look forward to encouraging them to understand the importance of exploration in developing our understanding of the universe we too briefly inhabit.
Naturally, we have to start with this question. Can you tell us how libraries have been a part of your life? What is your favourite thing about libraries?
I loved my local library growing up. I still remember getting my library card and feeling so proud to own something that seemingly gave me so much power (I can take these books HOME with me? Because of this card?!!) My favourite thing about libraries is how much value they bring to the community. Libraries are an incredible investment in the neighbourhoods we live in.
In your TED talk you suggest that we need to approach science literacy with empathy? This approach to being kind is absolutely wonderful and logical! How can we do this in our roles as children’s librarians?
In my opinion, the best way to bring empathy to science education is by creating a safe space for kids to ask questions. Kids should believe that all questions are valid and important and worth answering. They may not get that same feeling when they ask questions at home or at school – but a library can be their safe haven for their curiosity.
Libraries all around the world have started incorporating STEAM programming into their events. I know I have a closet full of magnets, vinegar and science supplies! What’s the best way to engage with science and STEM in StoryTime?
I think it’s always important to connect the activity to something they experience in the real world. It should show them that science isn’t simply an activity or something to be memorized – but all around them, every day.
What do you wish EVERYONE understood about science?
I wish everyone understood that science is a process – it’s not a set of facts to be memorized. The scientific method is a way for us to build our understanding of the world.
You’re visibly pregnant in Emily’s Wonder Lab. Was this a conscious choice to show that women can be both mothers and scientists or simply scheduling? Do you think there’s a benefit to children seeing pregnant women in the media?
This was completely random! I pitched the show while I was not visibly pregnant and Netflix picked it up when I was! I absolutely love that I am so obviously pregnant in Emily’s Wonder Lab because it’s the type of representation I didn’t have when I was a kid. I never really saw anyone pregnant on TV doing something that wasn’t solely dedicated to preparing for the baby. I think this type of representation teaches kids that you can want a family and also love science!
We are so excited about “Reach for the Stars” coming to us in March 2022. I already have the book in my cart! Is there anything you can tell us about your book?
I wrote this book after my daughter (the bump on Emily’s Wonder Lab) was born! I had so many thoughts running through my head of everything I hoped she would reach for and everything I hoped I could teach her throughout her life – and I put that down on paper. It was a way to focus my energy and postpartum emotions during my maternity leave and I truly hope it resonates with any other parents and guardians out there who would do anything to make sure their child felt like the stars were within their reach.
What’s the best way to support you and your work?
Follow my adventures at @thespacegal on social!
(You can find Emily Calandrelli on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok! And don’t forget to pre-order Reach For the Stars her newest book and first picture book! Buy at us.macmillan.com, chapters.indigo.ca, or goodreads.com).
