Rest in Peace Mr Wizard

renovation · 06-13-2007, 12:01 AM

"Mr. Wizard" introduced generations of young viewers to the joys of science, died Tuesday. He was 89. Herbert, who had bone cancer, died at his suburban Bell Canyon home, said his son-in-law, Tom Nikosey.

"He really taught kids how to use the thinking skills of a scientist," said former colleague Steve Jacobs. He worked with Herbert on a 1980s show that echoed the original 1950s "Watch Mr. Wizard" series, which became a fond baby boomer memory.

In "Watch Mr. Wizard," which was produced from 1951 to 1964 and received a Peabody Award in 1954, Herbert turned TV into an entertaining classroom. On a simple, workshop-like set, he demonstrated experiments using household items.

"He modeled how to predict and measure and analyze. ... The show today might seem slow but it was in-depth and forced you to think along," Jacobs said. "You were learning about the forces of nature."

http://apnews.excite.com/article/200...D8PNKVOO0.html

Freelance Superhero · 06-13-2007, 12:49 AM

i absolutely loved his show when i was a kid, tho i never did see the original series. RIP to a good man who taught millions of little kids that science can be fun.

Devhux · 06-13-2007, 01:49 AM

I remember watching Mr. Wizard's World -- sad to hear he passed away.

cadetevon · 06-13-2007, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freelance Superhero

i absolutely loved his show when i was a kid, tho i never did see the original series. RIP to a good man who taught millions of little kids that science can be fun.

By far, the best kid-science show ever. God speed.

Houdini · 06-13-2007, 01:49 PM

Requiem Interra Pax, Mr Wizard.

Loved the show. Taped episodes. Would scour the TV Guide to find out when it would be on TV. I miss HERO the one-armed programmable robot (with the number pad on top.)

My favorite was the HCl and Zinc in a bottle to inflate a balloon with H2. Birthday candle on end of coat-hanger to touch it off, creating a big fireball and a drop of water.

I was looking him up a year or two ago, as his company actually still employs people to teach kids science with fun stuff.

Infinitely better than Bill Nye or similar rapid-fire-editing shows. Those that I've seen drive me insane, though I guess it appeals to the short-attention-span Playstation crowd. The slow, methodical, educational, and interesting style of Herbert will be missed by many.

H

Markel · 06-13-2007, 02:23 PM

I loved watching Mr. Wizard. However, the kid on the show could be annoying.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houdini

My favorite was the HCl and Zinc in a bottle to inflate a balloon with H2.

We used to use lye and aluminum foil.

baggio248 · 06-13-2007, 04:26 PM

I read that yesterday and that's sad. I remember watching him as a kid in elementary school. I work with a guy who was born in 1981 and he's never heard of him (and we work as chemist). R.I.P.

Memo · 06-13-2007, 08:43 PM

RIP! You won me the 1st grade Science Fair!

oblongmelon · 06-13-2007, 08:53 PM

I'm not old enough to remember him *snicker*..oh well..R.I.P anyway

Napoleon54 · 06-14-2007, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houdini

Infinitely better than Bill Nye or similar rapid-fire-editing shows. Those that I've seen drive me insane, though I guess it appeals to the short-attention-span Playstation crowd. The slow, methodical, educational, and interesting style of Herbert will be missed by many.

As far as I know, today's shows don't do any hands-on kinda stuff, no experimentation. The Mr. Wizard approach is MUCH MUCH MUCH better IMO... here's a bunch of stuff and here's what you can do with it. Play around, experiment, learn. That's how science is done IRL.

brainsmile · 06-14-2007, 08:58 AM

I don't recall him either

guiseppewv · 06-14-2007, 06:02 PM

RIP Mr. Wizard.

06-13-2007, 12:01 AM	#1
renovation Admiral Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: You could pick up Lindsay Lohan for less than a intel 990x, and still have money left over to bail her outta jail Posts: 5,029	Rest in Peace Mr Wizard "Mr. Wizard" introduced generations of young viewers to the joys of science, died Tuesday. He was 89. Herbert, who had bone cancer, died at his suburban Bell Canyon home, said his son-in-law, Tom Nikosey. "He really taught kids how to use the thinking skills of a scientist," said former colleague Steve Jacobs. He worked with Herbert on a 1980s show that echoed the original 1950s "Watch Mr. Wizard" series, which became a fond baby boomer memory. In "Watch Mr. Wizard," which was produced from 1951 to 1964 and received a Peabody Award in 1954, Herbert turned TV into an entertaining classroom. On a simple, workshop-like set, he demonstrated experiments using household items. "He modeled how to predict and measure and analyze. ... The show today might seem slow but it was in-depth and forced you to think along," Jacobs said. "You were learning about the forces of nature." http://apnews.excite.com/article/200...D8PNKVOO0.html __________________ You could pick up Lindsay Lohan for less than a intel 990x, and still have money left over to bail her outta jail

06-13-2007, 12:49 AM	#2
Freelance Superhero Optimus Prime Join Date: May 2002 Location: in bed Posts: 4,116	i absolutely loved his show when i was a kid, tho i never did see the original series. RIP to a good man who taught millions of little kids that science can be fun. __________________ "I can't believe you can eat that; it looks like abortion." - Augusta, of the Tard-Blog

06-13-2007, 01:49 AM	#3
Devhux Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Calgary Alberta Canada Posts: 2,511	I remember watching Mr. Wizard's World -- sad to hear he passed away. __________________ 0118 999 881 999 119 725... 3

06-13-2007, 04:26 PM	#7
baggio248 Captain Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Aurora, OH Posts: 1,967	I read that yesterday and that's sad. I remember watching him as a kid in elementary school. I work with a guy who was born in 1981 and he's never heard of him (and we work as chemist). R.I.P. __________________ Peter: Lois, you've got a sick mind! Lois: Peter, I'm talking about making love. Peter: Oh, I thought you wanted us to murder the children and harvest their organs for beer money.

06-14-2007, 08:58 AM	#11
brainsmile Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: woah... why is welfareloser here with me so early in the morning and more importantly why am I wearing her clothes?!? Posts: 13,754	I don't recall him either __________________ ********************************** DCM #1 (Founder) "Nobody beats Vitus Gerulaitis 18 times in a row." - Vitus Gerulaitis on beating Jimmy Connors after 17 failed attempts.

06-13-2007, 01:49 PM	#5
Houdini Admiral Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: New Orleans Posts: 5,054	Requiem Interra Pax, Mr Wizard. Loved the show. Taped episodes. Would scour the TV Guide to find out when it would be on TV. I miss HERO the one-armed programmable robot (with the number pad on top.) My favorite was the HCl and Zinc in a bottle to inflate a balloon with H2. Birthday candle on end of coat-hanger to touch it off, creating a big fireball and a drop of water. I was looking him up a year or two ago, as his company actually still employs people to teach kids science with fun stuff. Infinitely better than Bill Nye or similar rapid-fire-editing shows. Those that I've seen drive me insane, though I guess it appeals to the short-attention-span Playstation crowd. The slow, methodical, educational, and interesting style of Herbert will be missed by many. H

06-13-2007, 08:43 PM	#8
Memo Admiral Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: East Village Posts: 5,659	RIP! You won me the 1st grade Science Fair!

06-13-2007, 08:53 PM	#9
oblongmelon Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: In a nutshell Posts: 9,678	I'm not old enough to remember him snicker..oh well..R.I.P anyway

06-14-2007, 06:02 PM	#12
guiseppewv Admiral Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: East coast Posts: 7,116	RIP Mr. Wizard.

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