Kate the Chemist book fun for housebound children
If your housebound family needs a new diversion, follow Kate Biberdorf ’s example and try a hands-on approach to something besides a video game controller.
Biberdorf, who’s proudly adopted the snappy nickname Kate the Chemist, wants kids to have messy fun with science experiments.
The University of Texas at Austin chemistry professor is a lively promoter for the value of her discipline and the joy she finds in it. She’s made her case on “Today” and other TV shows and barnstorms the country to get youngsters, especially girls, hooked on its wonder and possibilities.
Biberdorf is adding a new chapter with her first books. “Kate the Chemist: The Big Book of Experiments” has 25 projects for children ages 8 to 12 who end up learning about energy and matter. Safely done at home, the experiments rely on common products. An adultsneeded icon marks ones requiring supervision.
Biberdorf also has written (with Hillary Homzie) “Kate the Chemist: Dragons vs. Unicorns,” the first in a planned fiction series featuring a 10-year-old Kate as an intrepid problem solver. Both titles are from Philomel Books, a Penguin Random House imprint, and were released early for antsy parents and kids alike. In a phone interview, Biberdorf explained who nurtured her passion for chemistry in her hometown of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and her efforts to do the same for new generations. Remarks were edited for clarity and length.
AP: You said that the gender gap in the sciences grows as students advance and is widest at the Ph.D. level. Why is that and how can it be addressed?
Biberdorf: There are a lot of reasons. If you’re a young girl and you raise your hand (in class) and give an incorrect answer and a boy makes fun of you, that can have a crippling effect on your selfesteem. My mission is to get out there and talk to these girls so that they’re passionate about science. Then when they do inevitably give a wrong answer, because we’re all human, they have enough confidence to not be knocked down.
AP: What changes need to happen for women in the scientific ranks?
Biberdorf: Female scientists are supporting other female scientists, and we are banding together and forming this beautiful community. We’re supporting each other’s research and talking about each other’s projects in such a positive way. I personally feel so empowered to be part of this.
AP: Does the skepticism some are voicing about science concern you?
Biberdorf: As the scientific community, we need to step up. We need to use our voices and our credentials to explain what’s happening. So, for example, with climate change and the coronavirus, if there are questions in your community about it, we need to be responsible scientists.