Dressing like a scientist

This is part four in a series about our leveling up our approach to science:

1. Thinking like a scientist: The Baloney Detection Kit for kids
2. Writing like a scientist: Using a lab notebook for science
3. Using tools like a scientist: Upgrading our microscope
4. Dressing like a scientist (you are here!)

Really, I just thought Wanda in a lab coat would be adorable, and I was RIGHT! But of course it's also practical, and getting into the habit of using PPE is a good thing.

I got her a child-size lab coat, and I brought out my own lab coat from my days working at The Institute for Systems Biology. (I was a computational biologist there, so I didn't need a lab coat, but I liked to join the gang in the labs to do occasional wet bench stuff for fun.)

I got her some kid-sized protective eyewear, which actually turned out to be the right size for my little head, too. They're so comfortable, I forget I'm wearing them. I also got Wanda some kid-sized disposable nitrile gloves.

Wanda's ADHD can make it hard for her to stick with an activity for long, unless she's really into it. Dressing the part seems to be a pretty effective way to help her get in the science groove, and stay there.