Category Archives: Education

Oscar-Winner Natalie Portman was a Kid Scientist

Here’s a story from the New York Times about Natalie Portman, the actress you may remember as Princess Amidala from Star Wars Episodes I, II and III. Apparently she was quite the kid scientist in high school; she was a semifinalist in the national Intel Science Talent search!

Portman is 29 years old now and is about to have a baby of her own. Last night she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, playing a ballerina in a film called “Black Swan”. This just goes to show that you don’t have to choose between being a princess, a ballerina, or a scientist — you can be all three if you want!

Another Kid Scientist’s Google Doodle

We’re always excited to hear about other Kid Scientists out there sharing their interest in science and education.
science-google-doodle Kaylie McFerrin from Wichita Falls, TX is one of the entrants in the Google for Doodle contest. The winner’s doodle will appear on Google’s home page. Kaylie wants to become a scientist so she can find a cure for her sister’s kidney cancer. There are lots of great careers for aspiring scientists that involve research, chemistry, and medicine. If you could do or be anything, what would it be?

President Obama to Host a National Science Fair at the White House

Here’s some news that got all of us at Kid Scientist excited:

“President Barack Obama said Monday he would convene a national science fair next year to honor young inventors with the same gusto that college and professional athletes celebrate their victories at the White House.

‘You know, if you win the NCAA championship, you come to the White House,’ said Obama, a sports fan as much as a science nerd. ‘Well, if you’re a young person and you produce the best experiment or design, the best hardware or software, you ought to be recognized for that achievement, too. Scientists and engineers ought to stand side by side with athletes and entertainers as role models.’

He said they would show young students how ‘cool science can be.’”

We agree!