May the Forest Be With You: Kids in Olathe met at intersection of science and fun

Local kids didn’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far away to have a good time mixing science fiction with actual science learning. The May the Forest Be With You event at Ernie Miller Nature Center added a dose of “Star Wars”-centered fun to nature education the evening of May 3.

“This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a really long time. I really like the idea of combining nature and space science together. I’m a big “Star Wars” fan myself,” said M.C. Rose, a park naturalist at Ernie Miller.

It’s the second time the nature center has put on the event. Parents and kids gathered in timed sessions led by costumed characters. The activities moved between “Star Wars” and more typical Ernie Miller activities.

First was a light saber class led by park naturalist (and sometime Jedi master) Alisa Grunewald. Everyone learned a short routine before using it to take on Darth Vader.

Then, the kids made their way through an obstacle course that involved hula hoops, the limbo, makeshift balance beams, hopscotch and a pool noodle toss — each with its own “Star Wars”-themed name, such as “Skywalker’s Pathway Pursuit.”

Also on the schedule was a chance to learn about owls, birds and the amphibians residing in what Ernie Miller staff members were calling “the swamps of Dagobah.”

“Amphibians here in Kansas, they have so many special abilities that are kind of otherworldly. Salamanders can regrow their limbs. Frogs and toads go from being tadpoles who only have gills to growing lungs. They go through these really cool ‘alien’ metamorphoses,” Rose said.

Groups going through later in the evening had the opportunity to peek through telescopes with the Astronomical Society of Kansas City.

Inside the nature center, there were displays of “Star Wars” set pieces and props from Galaxy Props, meteorite samples, model rockets and even the center’s relatively new portable planetarium.

Members of various local “Star Wars” cosplay clubs, including the 501st Legion, walked around taking photos with people.

Kids also got the chance to make a paper plate Millennium Falcon with a light-up circuit inside. The funding for that station came from a Remake Learning Days grant.

“Remake Learning Days is an innovative learning festival for families and youth. It’s just to encourage families to explore science and art through hands-on learning,” Rose said.

She got in the spirit herself, dressing as Clone Wars and the Mandalorian character Ahsoka Tano.

“It’s really fun just being among a group of people who love to just dress up in costume and go be silly and have fun in the woods together but also are there with a purpose: helping kids and their families engage with science and nature in a new way,” Rose said.

Parents also appreciated the many aspects of the event.

“I like that he’s learning about frogs and lizards, so it’s fun and educational,” said Olathe resident Jim Hudson.

Olathe resident Joshua Dent liked the fusion of “Star Wars” with nature.

“How they included a toad named Jabba the Hutt, how they talked about flying — just getting the kids outside is huge,” Dent said.