Don Herbert, better known as Mr. Wizard, passed away today ending his battle with bone cancer. I can remember watching Mr. Wizard on Nickelodeon in the afternoons when I was in junior high. He always did a great job of making science seem fun and interesting. He tried to shatter the notion that science can only be done by people working in laboratories wearing lab coats and using beakers, flasks, and other fancy equipment. He, as much as possible, tried to teach science using stuff you find in your home. I came to realize that science is actually born of inquisitive minds and can be done by anyone (regardless of age or knowledge level) and that the scientific method was actually your guide to pursuing your curiosity. His show greatly influenced the way that I eventually taught science in my own classroom. I don’t know anything at all about Don Herbert as a person, but I’m very appreciative for Mr. Wizard’s dedication to education.
Here’s an article with more information.
