In Episode 19 of Season Two of The Late Start Show, the second half of their fireside conversation, Charlie Martin and Jack Nelson sit down once again with Mr. Harmon: legendary science teacher, storyteller, and the driving force behind University School’s Outdoor Projects. Mr. Harmon pulls back the curtain on how the “outdoors” at US is really a living science lab, connecting classroom concepts to real-world systems. He breaks down everything from calorimetry and the energy content of different woods to the trout hatchery’s year-round water system and the live plankton it provides for biology labs, to the physics (and chemistry) behind maple sugaring, photosynthesis, sap flow, osmotic pressure, and even freeze-thaw dynamics.

Along the way, he reflects on the origins of Outdoor Projects (and the early Outward Bound–style challenges), why forest health matters more than ever, from invasive pests threatening beech trees to the overlooked importance of soil science, and what it means to protect the campus as a “trust,” not “land waiting for development.” The conversation closes with the show’s signature question, “What is your why?”, as Mr. Harmon shares a simple, powerful philosophy: be human, be charitable, and make decisions that help more than hurt.

Happy Holidays, and have a great winter break. Stay tuned for more episodes as we keep capturing the stories (and wisdom) of the legends who make University School what it is.

Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.