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Because Science IS Funny!: TV's The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, AND YOU! (Via Zoom Only)

  • No group assigned
  • March 15, 2025
Even in re-runs, something astonishing keeps cropping up on TV's "The Big Bang Theory" and its highly successful spinoff, "Young Sheldon" – namely, actual science! What's so hilarious about Schrodinger's cat, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, and glow-in-the-dark jellyfish? 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. The Big Bang Theory, which is still watched regularly on at least ten different local stations, cable channels, and streaming services around the world, features an assortment of very smart characters wisecracking about these and other real-life high-IQ concepts -- and now you'll be able to, too.

Join us at 7:00 pm (EDT) on Saturday, March 15 to learn why CBS became PBS... sort of. This month's guest speaker, science humorist Dave Zobel argues that the two hugely popular "funny nerd" shows still 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. Part one-man colloquium, part comedy routine, Mr. Zobel's talk just might show you enough of what's fun and funny about science to earn you a spot on Sheldon's couch!

Dave Zobel has appeared on the TV channels G4 and Discovery and has penned segments for the radio shows "StarDate", "Day to Day", "Says You!" and "The Loh Down on Science". For the LA nonprofit "T4T" (Trash for Teaching), he designs STEM teaching kits out of rescued and repurposed manufacturers' discards.

Please note that this program will be presented only via Zoom.

Doors open at 6:30 pm (EDT) for mingling The program begins at 7:00 pm (EDT).

Registration rates are There is no charge for this Zoom presentation, but, due to rising costs, (Meetup charges alone went up 70% in the past year!) your donation via PayPal is greatly appreciated! Please donate $5! To donate go to PayPal.com, login, and click on the "Send" button. Enter the e-mail address: treasurer@mensadetroit.com, click on "Next", fill in your payment amount, and in the "What's this for" dialogue box enter: "SEMM Zoom Presentations." Click "Next", select your payment method, and click "Send".;

To register, All attendees need to pre-register by clicking on the following link: https://tinyurl.com/SEMM-2025-Gathering. And choosing "March 15, 2025 6:30 pm" from the drop-down box. The Zoom room opens at 6:30 pm (EDT) for mingling. The program starts at 7:00 pm (EDT). For more information, contact Harley Berger; MensaDetroit@gmail.com;