Not Too Childish or Cheesy: Sarah Lamm on Engaging Families about the Geosciences

Sarah Lamm, a PhD Student in Geology at the University of Kansas and co-Founder of Rocks and Rockets, recently stopped by on the Questions of the Day (QoTD) program following the success of their 2nd “Rocks & Rockets,” a geoscience-focused outreach event. Held in Colby, Kansas, this event featured various activities and booths designed to engage children and adults alike in science. From rocks and rockets to chemistry and astronomy, the event offered something for everyone. With an estimated attendance of 350 to 400 people, the event not only attracted locals, but also families who drove as far as two hours specifically to participate. Notably, the K-State Chemistry department has already offered partial funding for next year’s event, indicating strong support and satisfaction with the initiative.

Why It Matters

The “Rocks & Rockets” event offers insights into a popular activity (science festivals) within civic science. The QoTD interview with Sarah Lamm highlights the event’s design considerations, especially the inclusion of activities that are accessible to both children and adults. She mentioned, “I think the children also really want activities that they can do with their parents… it didn’t seem like it was too childish or cheesy for the parents to get involved.” This focus aligns with the larger goal of making science initiatives inclusive. Lamm also discussed the need to engage parents directly, stating, “We have to make sure that the parents know that this is a worthwhile thing to bring your children to.” Her statement emphasizes the program’s effort to communicate its value beyond mere recreation. By framing the event as an educational experience for the whole family, “Rocks & Rockets” aims to appeal to parents, who often decide on family activities. We are likely witnessing the early beginnings of a full-on geoscience festival which is slowly figuring things out. As such, it is worth keeping a close eye on as it continues to develop.

Questions to Keep in Mind

As “Rocks & Rockets” continues to gain traction, several pertinent questions come to the forefront, shaping discussions on its future. Key among these is how the initiative can leverage both existing and new collaborations to sustain its growth and amplify its impact, given the path it’s on. Equally important is defining what growth and impact encapsulates for “Rocks & Rockets” — whether it signifies higher attendance numbers, an expansion of activities, branching out to new locations, or a change in attitudes from the attendees. Another critical aspect is funding. With partial funding already committed for the coming year, the search for additional financial avenues and diversified funding streams will become ever more pressing as the need grows. Lastly, the role of local community partners and volunteers (and eventually paid staff) cannot be overstated, as they will be instrumental in determining the long-term success of the event.

CSML Intelligence Team

Civic Science Media Lab (CSML) Intelligence delivers rapid analysis based on our reporting and ongoing landscape work, providing synthesized insights into the latest developments shaping the civic science landscape.