Ep 25 | Junk Becomes Genius with Erik Herman, Founder of the Free Science Workshop

What happens when kids are given time, space, and stuff? Real stuff. Junk. Tools. Magnets. Hot glue guns.  In this episode of the Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler is talking to Erik Herman to explore what play, tinkering, and science can look like when curiosity leads the way. Erik is a former classroom teacher who followed his passion out of formal education and into the wild, wonderful world of informal learning. He’s the force behind the Free Science Workshop and the Physics Bus. Both places where kids choose what to explore, how long to explore it, and who to explore it with.  Rusty draws connections between Erik’s work and adventure playgrounds, community tinkering spaces, and our deeply human need to make things—together. This conversation wanders (in the best way) through barns full of junk. And through the difference between explaining and experiencing.  Freedom matters, messes are meaningful, and innovation needs room to breathe.  Erik and Rusty agree on letting physics speak for itself, and remembering that we are three-dimensional beings in a very hands-on world Links: www.freescienceworkshop.org www.communityscienceworkshops.org Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs  Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide