The Late Movies: Science Shows for Kids

After the smashing success of the Mr. Wizard edition of the Late Movies, we thought we'd give you more childhood science shows. Here are some of our favorites. But if we left your preferred educational programming off this list, tell us in the comments!

Beakman's World

Original run: 1992"“1998
Original channel: Beakman's world premiered on TLC, but after a year, was picked up by CBS.
Fun fact: The Beakman's World theme song was composed by Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo.

Watch Mr. Wizard

Original run: 1951"“1972
Original channel: NBC
Fun fact: Before achieving television fame, Don Herbert (Mr. Wizard) acted opposite Nancy Davis Reagan at Couch House Summer Theater in 1940.

Mr. Wizard's World

Original run: 1983"“1990
Original channel: Nickelodeon
Fun fact: In 1942, Don Herbert worked as a guide at Rockefeller Center.

The Magic School Bus

Original run: September 10, 1994"“December 6, 1997
Original channel: PBS, Fox Kids, Discovery Kids
Fun fact: Ms. Frizzle was voiced by famed actress Lily Tomlin, who was awarded a Daytime Emmy for the role.

The Science Lab of Grand Hank

Original run: 1997-present
Original channel: PSTV (The School District of Philadelphia cable-access channel)
Fun fact: Tyraine Ragsdale dubbed himself "Grand Master Hank" while DJing at the University of Pittsburgh and later used a version of that nickname for his science education career.

Bill Nye the Science Guy

Original run: September 10, 1993"“February 20, 1998
Original channel: PBS
Fun fact: From 2000 to 2002, Nye was the technical expert in BattleBots, the popular combat robot show.

Newton's Apple

Original run: 1983"“1998
Original channel: PBS
Fun fact: For most of the run, the show's theme song was "Ruckzuck" by Kraftwerk.

The Dr. Fad Show

Original run: 1988-1994
Original channel: CBS and PBS
Fun fact: Ken Hakuta (Dr. Fad) invented the Wacky Wall Walker, a very popular toy in the 1980s.