Bill Nye
William Sanford Nye (born November 27, 1955), popularly known as Bill Nye the Science Guy, is an American science communicator, television presenter, and mechanical engineer. He is best known as the host of the PBS children's science show Bill Nye the Science Guy, and for his many subsequent appearances in popular media as a science educator.
Nye began his career as a mechanical engineer for Boeing Corporation in Seattle, where he invented a hydraulic resonance suppressor tube used on 747 airplanes. In 1986, Nye left Boeing to pursue comedy, writing and performing jokes and bits for the local sketch television show Almost Live!, where he would regularly conduct wacky science experiments.
In addition to his BS in mechanical engineering from Cornell University (where he took an astronomy class taught by Carl Sagan), Nye has honorary doctoral degress from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Willamette University, and Rutgers University.
Bill Nye is one of North America's most beloved scientists and educators.
Bill Nye wearing his iconic bow tie
Pre-Media
Discuss the following with a partner/group, or as a class.
- Who are individuals who have helped communicate science well?
- What are ways in which we can engage children about science? How about adults?
Watch the video until 8:20. As you listen, create notes and write down specific words that you believe are related to Earth Science and STEM in general. Place these vocabulary words into two categories, Earth Science Vocabulary, and Other STEM Vocabulary. Remember to take notes on key concepts and core messages as well (times, dates, quantities, etc.).
Exercise
Open the exercise to begin the activity. Follow the instructions in the document.
Post-Media
Discuss the following with a partner/group, or as a class.
- What quantifiable data from the media surprised you?
- What were the three most interesting facts you learned?
- How does Earth Science affect other STEM disciplines which interest you?