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'Doctor Volcano' gets kids into science

By MICHAEL BECKER Chronicle Staff Writer

Julia Sable knows more than most about the intricate inner workings of volcanoes.


 After all, last year she earned a doctorate in volcanology from the University of Hawaii. She has researched eruptions around the world, from Italy to New Zealand.

So when kindergartener Hunter Gjersing walked up to her “Dr. Volcano” throne at the Children's Museum of Bozeman Sunday and asked where the world's biggest volcano is, Sable was ready.

After providing the answer -- Hawaii's Mauna Loa -- and a few other volcanic tidbits, Sable was surprised at how awestruck the 5-year-old was.

“He was looking at me like I was something special,” Sable said. “It's really flattering.”

Sable was one of the attractions at the museum's Volcano Day, which featured activities provided by groups like the Montana Outdoor Science School and the Museum of the Rockies.

From her “Dr. Volcano” throne, Sable said that after years of academic research, she wanted to do something that would get children interested in science.

“There seems to be this place between elementary school and middle school where science stops being cool,” she said. “It's a social thing, and I don't know how to fight it yet.”

But she's trying to find out. Sable is studying science and natural history filmmaking at Montana State University, hoping to eventually design multimedia presentations for museums or work in children's television.

And at the museum Sunday, she provided a roomful of curious, young thinkers with food for thought: demonstrations involving dry ice, water, diet soda and breath mints.

As those same young thinkers clamored for a loud and, perhaps, uncontrolled explosion -- none came -- Sable hoped that by making science fun, some of the lessons would sink in.

“I'm just hoping science pervades life in small ways, so you can be more aware of how your body works and how your actions affect the world around you,” she said.

Michael Becker is at mbecker@dailychronicle.com

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