Learning math and science through The Simpsons

Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special: In 3-D! On Ice!

Last summer I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special: In 3-D! On Ice!, directed by Morgan Spurlock.  I was invited on the show because of my book about science on the Simpsons:

What's Science Ever Done for Us? What the Simpsons Can Teach Us About Physics, Robots, Life and the Universe

On a sunny day in August 2009, Morgan Spurlock and his crew came to one of the University of the Sciences' biology teaching labs and filmed me performing science experiments related to the Simpsons.  It was fantastic meeting them, and a very enjoyable experience overall.

It was wonderful to see the segment 'The Science of the Simpsons' on the show when it was broadcast on January 10, 2010.  Here is a clip:

Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special: 'The Science of the Simpsons'

National Doughnut Day

Today is National Doughnut Day. It is a time to reflect on whether or not Homer's theory that the universe is doughnut-shaped is correct. Only time (and astronomical measurements) will tell.

Homer discussing physics with Stephen Hawking

Canadian writer Lorette C. Luzajic is launching her new book Weird Monologues for a Rainy Life, a collection of "memoirs, manifestos, reviews, blogs,and requiems." Sounds really cool. I am told that her interview of me about science on the Simpsons appears in the book. Wishing her all due success with its publication.

Darwin's Simpsons

The Frankfurter Allgemeine has published an interesting article about Darwin and the Simpsons, written by Falko Hennig.

Here is a link:

Darwin's Simpsons

Cosmos Review

No, I'm not reviewing the cosmos, as in... "Mostly cold and dark, but there are a few temperate spots... Well worth a visit..."

Rather, Cosmos, the Australian science magazine, has reviewed my Simpsons book.  Here's a link:

Cosmos Review

Simpsons in the Classroom

From the blog Theory is the Reason I've learned about a recent conference in New York State about teaching methods. One of the talks addressed using the Simpsons as a teaching tool, and mentioned a number of articles and books that would be of pedagogical interest for this purpose, including my own contribution to the subject.

I had the opportunity last spring to guest lecture at West Chester University for a great course taught by Jamey Heit, author of the Springfield Reformation. Heit has masterfully used the Simpsons to teach philosophical and religious notions.