Comments on: Remembering Mr. Wizard – A True Inspiration

By: President Obama… Please Let Me Help You Make Science Cool | Steve Spangler's Blog

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 03:37:39 +0000

[...] I realized that I actually have something to offer you. I was reminded of Don Herbert (the original Mr. Wizard) who made science come alive for millions of kids during the 1950s and 60s. That was exactly what [...]

By: Troy Sorrel

Troy Sorrel — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 01:58:25 +0000

Steve,

I have AS (Asperger’s Syndrome) a mild form of autism. I became excitedly interested in science once I started to watch Mr. Wizard’s World in 1982 on Nickelodeon. It was his inspiration into the fascinating world of science that I science became one of my obsessions growing up. We lost a pioneer in the field of demonstrations and why science is an important part of our lives. Don Herbert will be missed dearly. I would like to know if his Nickelodeon show is still available on DVD to share with my students. I am a special education teacher and visual representations help them when I give demonstrations of some of the basic science principles. I still expose my students to the fun world of science, even if they have severe disabilities. Just the look of interest in their eyes is what makes teaching children with autism the wonders of science which is beyond rewarding. Thanks for the tribute to Mr. Wizard, he was one of my mentors growing up.

Troy Sorrel
Downey, California
Autism Support Teacher

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 03:46:53 +0000

Thanks Justin! We fixed it.

By: Justin

Justin — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 23:45:48 +0000

It’s sad to see he passed away.

(In the 3rd paragraph I believe honorary is misspelled )

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 03:53:30 +0000

Thanks for sharing your Mr. Wizard memories. I've spoken with Steve Jacobs, one of Don's very close friends who worked on the original Mr. Wizard show, and the outpouring of e-mails and words of encouragement to the family have been amazing. We're working on a tribute piece to Mr. Wizard on KUSA-TV 9NEWS in Denver next week.

By: Jeb

Jeb — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 14:25:22 +0000

How very sad. Outside spaceflight and associated “Race to the Moon,” Mr. Wizard was, perhaps, the greatest single influence on kids in regard to science. Certainly, he was the only person who could bring science to a child’s hands and make it real rather than abstract.

It was a disappointing Saturday morning when I had to make the decision – playing in my little league baseball game or watching Mr. Wizard?

Thank you Mr. Wizard for all you have done for children young and now old. You are already greatly missed.

By: Tom Heldreth

Tom Heldreth — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 12:40:29 +0000

I retain such fond memories of dear Mr. Wizard. When I was a kid (I am 49 years old now), I used to be captivated by his show and looked forward to viewing it. As a science teacher myself now, I look back and realize in retrospect that Don must have been my inspiration to pursue a career in science and, ultimately, science education. He was certainly a role model par excellence! In my curriculum, we use Bill Nye, the Science Guy videos quite often. Now that I know that Mr. Wizard videos exist, I plan to order and use them as well.
Jason, if you happen to be in contact with the Herbert family, please send them my condolences. Thank you for asking!

Tom Heldreth

By: J.R.

J.R. — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 06:38:20 +0000

Coincidentally . .I was looking up a picture of Mr. Wizard to post a picture of him as a praise of thanks; to the experiment being discussed. I saw him preform this particular experiment on T.V. as a child.

I saw the news and tears began to roll off my face.
Rest in Peace ~ Don Herbert, A Truly Respectable and Honorable Man. We will miss you.