Because Science IS Funny!: The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, and You
(Room Encanto A)
05 Jul 19
1:30 PM
-
2:45 PM
Something astonishing keeps cropping up on TV’s The Big Bang Theory and its highly successful spinoff, Young Sheldon — namely, actual science. Though both shows are comedies, they’re peppered with real-life scientific references: Characters chat about cutting-edge and classical experiments; historic formulae adorn living room whiteboards; and famous techno-luminaries and science educators guest-star as themselves. So when did CBS become PBS? Science humorist Dave Zobel argues that the two hugely popular “funny nerd” shows fill a vital (if nontraditional) role in popularizing science: Their subtle celebration of scientific inquiry draws viewers into conversation about science, technology, math — even philosophy. And that’s a gift to every science geek ... or science denier. This year’s presentation contains new material, including an attempt to answer the philosophers’ ancient query: Is it in fact true that the child-nerd is father to the man-nerd?