When I was about 6, a colleague of my dad's gave me a microscope. I remember him opening its box and showing me how it all worked and explaining how to use the modest tools that accompanied it, the scalpel, the probe, the spatula and the dropper.

That whole summer I pestered my mom, who was still teaching plant virology, into helping me obtain samples and the new found wonder I had for the natural world. I think that more kids should be given microscopes and showed the practical and hands-on aspect of the sciences. School killed my interest in biology, but I wish I'd persevered in it on reflection. Maybe I'll take a summer course.