Every logo tells a story, and Inside Out’s happens to be a story about a little green frog named Morris with a heroic mission. Just like Clark Kent becoming Superman, you’ll see Morris tugging open his dissected chest to reveal a giant, bright red heart. This frog is more than just a mascot; he represents the power of humane dissection alternatives and the love behind Inside Out’s mission of saving the planet, one specimen at a time. His wide open heart is a symbol of compassion, showing that science can be both educational and kind.
Why Morris?
The frog’s name is Morris – my dad’s middle name – and was chosen to honor his memory. Dad had a lifelong fascination with animals. He loved learning about how they worked and loved sharing stories with me about anything he learned – how hummingbirds are the only birds to fly backwards or that turtles breathe through their butts during winter (his favorite one to tell). Dad was always my biggest cheerleader and was constantly blown away by how I designed the models. Naming the frog Morris is my way of weaving dad’s memory into every piece of my work. It’s a constant reminder that his curiosity and encouragement will always fuel the heart of Inside Out Science. Long before dad passed, he told me that he wanted me to make a horseshoe crab model in memory of his childhood, growing up on the Outer Banks. That request has stayed with me and remains on my list of models to create. It’s more than a project to complete – it’s a promise to my favorite person.
From Getting Nerdy to Inside Out Science
Inside Out Science is also the next chapter in my journey as a science educator. Many of you may know me from my adventures as co-creator of Getting Nerdy with Mel and Gerdy, where I poured my energy into creating engaging, hands-on classroom resources. Inside Out Science builds on that same passion but with a new perspective – focusing on 3-D paper dissection models and humane alternatives that place compassion and curiosity at the center of the mission. It’s my way of honoring where I’ve been while continuing to grow, innovate, and share the joy of science in fresh and meaningful ways.
More than a Mascot: Morris’s Big-Hearted Mission
So when you see Morris the Frog proudly opening his chest to reveal his heart, know that he’s not just a quirky logo. He’s a hero, a champion of animals, a teacher, and a tribute – showing the world that science can be hands-on, meaningful, and humane, while also carrying the legacy of a person who believed in the beauty of learning how life works.
