Politicians have been using science as a punching bag a lot lately. It’s hard to overstate the dangers of this, given that scientific thinking and the distinction of fact from fiction fuels our ability to cure diseases, invent new technology, and generally explain how the world works. Meanwhile, science educators shoulder on with preparing the next generation of critical thinkers and scientists, including Science Department Chair, professor, and author Dr. Johan Erikson who crosses Portland Harbor on the Peaks Island ferry each day and commutes to Saint Joseph’s College on Sebago Lake.