Peak Curiosity

Every year on November 8, we celebrate National STEM Day. This day dedicated to inspiring curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math. But more than that, it’s a celebration of creativity, problem-solving, and imagination which are the qualities that drive discovery. I have been known to celebrate this day by pushing my science cart down a busy street in Denver from the Auraria Campus to the Denver Convention Center to participate in the STEMapoolza Fair. But, if you don’t have STEM fair near you, I have many other ways that you can bring awareness and appreciation for STEM to your classroom or home.

As the mornings turn chilly and the trees begin their colorful transformation, Simon, our bearded dragon has been spending more and more time under his favorite hide. His meals sit untouched, and his eyes stay half-closed in the cozy warmth of his terrarium. While I pull on a hoodie and sip warm tea, Simon is entering something called brumination. Simon’s slowing down is part of the many phenomena that happen in fall during the season of transition, preparation, and change.

Every September, millions of people around the globe come together for World Cleanup Day, a worldwide movement dedicated to protecting and preserving our planet. Held on the third weekend of September, this event is part of Clean Up the World Weekend, where communities take action against litter, waste, and pollution.

Every year on August 14, reptile enthusiasts, scientists, and animal lovers around the globe celebrate World Lizard Day. This is a chance to learn more about these incredible creatures and appreciate their place in our ecosystems. Here at Pogona Peak Education, lizards hold a special place in our hearts. Our bearded dragon, Simon, is a regular classroom guest as we do our interactive science programs . But Simon is just one of more than 6,000 known species of lizards found across nearly every continent.

We often picture science learning as long, lesson‑plan‑driven classroom sessions. But what if learning science could happen in tiny, delightful moments? That’s exactly what the research supports. In my own home, science pops up naturally when we’re in the garden guessing why certain plants grow better in certain beds, cooking and wondering what makes bread rise, or even riding our bikes and talking about how gears change speed and force.

When I was a kid, I loved watching fireworks burst, spin, and shimmer. Now that I'm older and understand the science behind this vibrant spectacle, I am even more awe. The precise chemistry, physics, and engineering required for these displays is incredible. This Independence Day is the perfect opportunity to spark (pun intended!) curiosity about how and why fireworks work.Where Did Fireworks Come From?

Every time I start a science program, whether it's a club or birthday party, the first thing I always ask is “What do you think a scientist is?” and I get a wide array of answers from astronauts to lab researchers to Professor Farnsworth from the Futurama cartoon. When most people hear the word science, they picture lab coats, beakers, or maybe a complicated diagram on a chalkboard. But the truth is: science isn’t just something reserved for classrooms or research lab, but rather something we all use, observe, and rely on every single day. That's why I tell all of my students (or party goers) that they are scientists, even if they don't know it!

World Bee Day is celebrated every May 20th to raise awareness about the essential role bees play in our ecosystems and food systems. For elementary school children, it's a perfect opportunity to explore nature, science, and creativity while learning how to protect these vital pollinators. My daughter absolutely loved the bee unit she did in second grade and she actually taught me new things about bees! While I knew about honey bees and bumblebees, I never knew about solitary bees (like mason bees, leafcutter bees, mining bees, carpenter bees, and sweat bees).

Summer is just around the corner and our family is so excited to spend long days (and nights) outside. With the extra sunlight already lengthening our days, my kids are spending a ton of time outside and they are picking up on the changing seasons. Flowers are springing to life, bees and butterflies abound, woodpeckers are making a racket, and even snakes and frogs are beginning to emerge for summer.

Earth Day is celebrated around the world every April 22 to honor the beauty of our planet, reflect on our impact, and commit to a greener future. For parents and teachers of elementary-aged children, Earth Day offers a unique opportunity to plant the seeds of environmental awareness early and nurture a lifelong respect for nature.

Women have made extraordinary contributions to science throughout history, yet they have often had to fight against systemic barriers to do so. From historical biases to modern workplace inequalities, women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) have faced numerous challenges that have hindered their full participation. Despite these obstacles, their presence in scientific fields is more important than ever.

As we step into Black History Month, it's crucial to reflect on and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Black scientists who have shaped our understanding of the world and pushed the boundaries of science and innovation. This month, we honor the trailblazers who overcame immense barriers to make lasting impacts in their fields. As we celebrate these individuals, we also recognize the systemic challenges that Black scientists have historically faced and, in many cases, continue to face today. By learning about and sharing their stories, we not only honor their achievements but also spark important conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the scientific community.