Some people believe curiosity kills the cat. But in the world of science, curiosity saves the cat. Curiosity is the crumb trail to discoveries, the footprints leading to a breakthrough. Why are children so inquisitive? We are naturally curious beings from infancy onward.

And parents have an awesome responsibility rearing tomorrow’s innovators. The boys and girls, the future star, space, and genetic scientists, who will improve the quality of life. Yes. It begins with the little people, the everyday explorers, and annoying adventurers. You know, the kids who muddy your hardwood floors, bring frogs into the house, and break things.

My son Christopher was a curious child. He was exploratory and five when he dismantled his toy record player. Captivated by it all, my husband and I sat and watched. “Look at him,” I whispered. “He’s trying to figure out how it works.” The broken toy was a small price to pay to witness such curiosity, ingenuity (we thought) at such an early age.

Encouraging and channeling children’s curiosity isn’t always convenient. But it is very important.

What can you do to fuel and steer your child’s curiosity?

Do what Gladys and Rupert Bath, insightful parents, did. They had dreams for their daughter. They encouraged Patricia to excel in the known—her regular academics. And to also explore the unknown. To stimulate her interest in science, Gladys bought Patricia a chemistry set.

How did her mom know that science was Patricia’s talent? She didn’t. She didn’t know that Patricia was destined to make medical history. And discoveries that would help many. But Gladys knew Patricia was smart and would have opportunities that she didn’t have.

A chemistry set and curiosity created the crumb trail for Patricia. And she blazed scientific landscapes to become the first in several medical achievements.

As a sixteen-year-old, Patricia attended a National Science Foundation cancer research workshop. It was an experience she would never forget. During the workshop, she made some discoveries. According to Dr. Robert Bernard, the head of the program, her findings were impressive. So, he included them in a scientific paper and presented them at a conference. The publicity from the discoveries earned Patricia the Mademoiselle magazine’s Merit Award.

After graduating from high school in two years, Patricia earned a B.A. degree from Hunter College. She received a medical degree from Howard University. Dr. Patricia Bath developed a community eye care (ophthalmology) treatment system for indigent patients. In 1973, she was the first African American to complete a residency in ophthalmology. She also was the first female faculty member in the Department of Ophthalmology at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute.

Dr. Patricia Bath is famous for her patented invention, the Laserphaco Probe. The device provided a less painful and more precise treatment of cataracts. Dr. Bath is the first African-American female doctor to receive a patent for a medical purpose.

What will you put in your curious son’s or daughter’s hands that will fuel their curiosity?