It’s not unusual for us to receive requests to include segments of our videos into other science, research and educational organizations’ videos. Typically, we field requests of this nature by email and, under most circumstances, we’re delighted to share our content.
But when we had our first request from a seven-year-old boy determined to save the planet one critter at a time, we had to give him a call and find out more.
Aaron Lin wants to protect nature. And the best way he believes he can do it is by creating his own youtube channel made specifically for kids. “We searched and searched for content about saving animals by and for kids and had a hard time finding much. So, Aaron decided to make his own channel just for kids” said Aaron’s mom, Lilian.
Aaron Speaks Our Language
“I want to save nature. I’m worried about it. I hear about climate change, rising sea levels and how it is destroying sea creatures, and I get upset. Without critters, humans wouldn’t be able to survive. I want every kid out there to know about this and hopefully join me in protecting the planet one critter at a time.” said Aaron.
Aaron’s parents joke about how Aaron was a super active toddler, but he could watch a bug for half an hour when he was as young as two. “Nature is the best babysitter,” laughs Aaron’s mom.
Thus far, Aaron has created four videos: Epic Sea Creature Rescue Mission, Exploring Tide Pools, Hermit Crab Night Tour in Thailand, and Meet ‘Pinchy’ My Pet Crayfish. (Naturally, we agreed to having segments of our videos included in Aaron’s presentations).
When Aaron recorded his beach trip where he looked for hermit crabs, he had a difficult time explaining the importance of not disturbing a molting hermit crab in its burrow. That’s how Aaron found Shape of Life. “I think it’s the best video on the internet!” said Aaron
How it All Started for Aaron
Outside and in the library, of course!
Before Aaron started school, his grandmother would take him to the library every day while his parents were at work. “By now he probably has exhausted all the nature science books in the juvenile section in the local library system”, says Aaron’s mom.
Shortly after that, Aaron started asking for real documentaries about creatures and that’s how he discovered Shape of Life
From there, Aaron decided to create his own platform to share all the things he was learning. Aaron’s parents didn’t take the decision to give Aaron an Internet presence lightly. They waited until Aaron turned 7 and had a good understanding of the concept of the internet as well as its power to spread his mission.
Oh, The Places You’ll Go
Aaron loves adventures and going to new places. “I want to take my friends around the world to wherever there are lots of creatures to watch, study and protect.” He plans to go to the San Diego Zoo and eventually the Galapagos. “I would love to explore evolution on this magical island and take my viewers along with me!”.
We asked Aaron what his favorite subject is in school, “My favorite subject is art, because I can draw all the creatures I see in the wild plus some I dream about.” In fact, sometimes Aaron teaches his art teacher about creatures. “Our coloring sheets had brine shrimps with straight legs. But I told my art teacher real brine shrimps curl up many of their swimmerets to propel their bodies smoothly in the water. She listened and let me talk about brine shrimps and why they are important to the lake ecosystem to the whole class. I love that she allowed me to share my knowledge with everyone”.
When we asked Aaron what his favorite critter is, he had a hard time pinning it down to just one. “I love all critters! I am still trying to convince my mom that rats are super cute! I love looking at all critters. Except for ticks, I guess. My mom told me to stay away from those!”
Surprisingly, this is the first time we have featured a kid as a scientist / teacher. After learning about Aaron, we discovered we have the mutual interest of teaching as many kids about science as we can. We hope Aaron inspires you as much he does us.
If you’d like to learn more about how to encourage the scientist in your child, take a look here and here, for some ideas.
