Comments on: Watch Mr. Wizard No More

By: ufoxprt

ufoxprt — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:54:34 +0000

With the passing of Don Herbert, “Mr. Wizard” is it any surprise that science education is in such a sad state. Herbert made science interesting even for those of us who never became “scientists.” His programs not only gave children a sense or wonder, but showed that the scientific method and investigation and the compilation of facts could prove something or give you an inkling of an outcome that more emotional people would skip over in their rush to “feel good” and make themselves “better people.”

The fact that Nickelodeon stopped running his program at the end of the last Millennium shows that this “New Age” will be a time of ignorance, “feelings” mis-and dis-information with unfortunately the internet leading the way because everyone can anonymously comment, make up stuff and generally put out nonsense. What a brave new world!

By: Jeremy_Wells

Jeremy_Wells — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:33:56 +0000

Wow. I remember the first time I watched cable television, at about age 10, and the wonder of Mr. Wizard’s World on Nickelodeon. From learning about the surface tension of water with pepper and dish soap, to learning about area by cutting a hole in a piece of standard notebook paper that I could walk through, Mr. Wizard’s World introduced me to many hidden wonders in what just might have been a very banal world without his influence.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and I hope they can rest a little easier knowing that his life touched so many others in a very positive way.

By: mystery_man

mystery_man — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 14:49:10 +0000

This is really sad news. As a science educator myself, I truly respect his efforts to open up youngster’s eyes to the world of science. A basic knowledge of science is very important I feel, and he did a great service by making it interesting and accessible. He made science fun and entertaining, which believe me is not always an easy feat. He made young people and I’m sure old alike want to get out and learn more by instilling a certain fascination within them. I remember his old 80s series and I was always transfixed. He will be missed.

By: jodzilla

jodzilla — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 02:49:52 +0000

Awwwww! Man. Mister Wizard! Now I’m so depressed I can’t even function. Man.

By: Ceroill

Ceroill — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 02:28:01 +0000

I too am saddened at the loss of Mr Wizard. He was a great boon to us kids growing up then, and even into the 80’s. His demonstrations were classic as well as entertaining. He was, I think, what all Jr High and High School science teachers aspired to be. Interesting, inspiring, and memorable.

By: MattBille

MattBille — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 23:40:07 +0000

Loren,
Thank you for posting this. Herbert did great service to science and education. Today’s wave of more specialized cable-TV science hosts are all good at what they do, but there was only one Mr. Wizard. I also remember fondly the sitcom Dinosaurs with its parody “Mr. Lizard.” whose assistant Timmy needed to be replaced after each show.