Arlington, VA, June 13, 2007—The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) expresses its sorrow over the passing of Don Herbert, 89, who explained the exciting world of science to millions of children on television as “Mr. Wizard.” Herbert died yesterday at his home in Bell Canyon, California, after a long battle with bone cancer.
“Mr. Herbert had an enduring impact on the science education community,” said Gerry Wheeler, NSTA executive director. “It is because of him that millions of children across the country decided to pursue a science-related profession later on in life. He instilled a sense of wonderment about science and encouraged millions of children to ask questions and look for answers to help them understand the world they live in.”
Herbert launched his weekly half-hour science show for children on NBC in 1951. He used basic experiments to teach scientific principles to his young TV audience via an in-studio guest boy or girl who assisted in the experiments. After “Watch Mr. Wizard” ended its 14-year-run in 1965, Mr. Herbert showed up frequently on talk shows, including “The Tonight Show” and “Late Night with David Letterman.” “Watch Mr. Wizard” was revived on NBC in 1971 for a season, and “Mr. Wizard’s World” ran on Nickelodeon from 1983 to 1990.
About NSTA
The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), www.nsta.org, is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA’s current membership includes more than 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.
Contact Information
Kate Meyer
National Science Teachers Association
kmeyer@nsta.org
(703) 312-9211
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