The University of Colorado, Boulder presents
CU Wizards

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In the Beginning

The CU Wizards Program provides an educational, entertaining and interactive introduction to the sciences for children of all ages. The show began in 1976, thanks to the efforts of Professors Jim Scott, who, a few years later, was joined by Professor John Taylor. Together they began presenting “The Wizard Series” four times a year on the University of Colorado, Boulder campus.

Professor Taylor earned funding to expand the program in the early 1980s,enabling him to take the “magic” of science on the road. This traveling “Mr. Wizard” sometimes brought shows to up to 20 schools a year throughout the state. From 1988-1991, Taylor collaborated with Denver Channel 4’s Larry Green to bring these science demonstrations to a broader audience, and together they produced the Emmy award-winning TV series “Physics for Fun.” Copies of the show are now available on DVD along with a curriculum series through the CU Science Discovery program.

A Changing of the Guard

The early 1990s saw new leadership with the CU Wizards show as Professor David Nesbitt was inaugurated as the new senior “Wizard” and show’s director. Professor Nesbitt expanded the program by fostering greater collaboration with faculty across scientific disciplines. Each year, about ten to twelve professors put on the Wizard’s hat to present shows to students, and create the current CU Wizards Program.

CU Wizards goes Multimedia

CU Wizards went multimedia in the late 1990s when Professor Nesbitt produced the CU Wizards Video Series. This series was made possible from funding by the CU Outreach Council and partnered the CU Wizards Show with CU Science Discovery. An additional grant from the council in 2005 funded transferring of the show to DVD along with the creation of a series of teaching guides to accompany the show. Visit CU Science Discovery for information on how to purchase the CU Wizards DVDs.

The Future of CU Wizards

The show continues to grow under the care of Professor Nesbitt’s direction. He has increased the show’s funding, including a small endowment, and continues to oversee the CU Wizard’s yearly schedule, inviting other professors to share their enthusiasm about their fields of science and education.

The yearly series of CU Wizards shows is held on the CU Boulder campus one Saturday a month throughout the academic year. The CU Wizards are professors from the science who donate their knowledge, time and energy to create engaging and informative shows for the public.

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For further information please contact Erin Costello djnadmin@jila.colorado.edu 303-492-5011