HARRY POTTER was not the first wizard to enchant America’s children. More than 50 years ago, Don Herbert started a new television show — when television itself was new — named “Watch Mr. Wizard.”
The show was meant to introduce children to real “magic” — the world of science. Herbert would show children how to conduct their own experiments at home, using common household items. Along the way, he taught basic lessons about physics and chemistry.
Herbert’s approach to science was a welcome relief from the worshipful awe of scientists that followed the creation of the atomic bomb at the end of World War II. The public saw scientists as white-coated super-intellects who kept their cool gazes focused above the heads of the rest of humanity on a remote horizon that no one else could see. The atomic era seemed to widen the gap between scientists and the rest of humanity.
Then Herbert showed up, friendly, accessible and smart, and showed children how the principles of science worked for everyone, not just for people with Ph.D.s and lab coats.
Herbert came along at the right time for the country. A few years after he started his show, the Soviet Union shot the first satellite into earth orbit, creating the instant perception of a “science gap” between the United States and its Cold War rival. The United States began scrambling to get more students into high school and college science classes to develop the next generation of rocket scientists.
Thanks in part to Mr. Wizard, there was a generation of American children just waiting to be asked. Doubtless, some of Herbert’s original audience were among the younger members of the team that landed the first man on the moon in 1969.
Don Herbert died Tuesday, still fondly remembered by several generations of fans of “Watch Mr. Wizard” and, later, “Mr. Wizard’s World.” In his career, he performed a valuable service to children, education and the nation.
That service is still being performed — with a bit more show-biz pizzazz — by Herbert’s successor, Bill Nye the Science Guy.
So new generations will still be able to learn all about air pressure with just a water glass and an index card, or discover how to grow crystals in a mayonnaise jar.