Gordon William Gavin Penrose CM (July 24, 1925 – December 16, 1997), nicknamed the Zany Dr. Zed, was a Canadian scientist, educator, and author of children's science books.[1] His works have been featured in OWL magazine and ChickaDEE magazine,[2] and he played the role of Dr. Zed for the children's television show OWL/TV.[3][4][5]

Gordon Penrose
Born(1925-07-24)July 24, 1925
DiedDecember 16, 1997(1997-12-16) (aged 72)
NationalityCanadian
OccupationYork Borough master science teacher
AwardsFellow of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education

Penrose's philosophy was based on interactive science experiments on the belief that children learn best by doing. Consequently, his books describe experiments that require as little adult supervision as possible.[1][6][7] Penrose's audience is eight- to twelve-year-olds, who are in Piaget's "concrete operations" stage, where abstract thinking about hypotheticals is not yet fully developed.[1]

He died on December 16, 1997, at the age of 72.[8]

Bibliography

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  • Dr. Zed's Brilliant Book of Science Experiments (juvenile), illustrations by Linda Bucholtz-Ross, Greey de Pencier Publications, 1977.
  • Dr. Zed's Zany Brilliant Book of Science Experiments, 1978.
  • Dr. Zed's Dazzling Book of Science Activities (juvenile), Greey de Pencier Publications, 1982.
  • Magic Mud and Other Great Experiments (juvenile), illustrations by Tina Holdcroft, Greey de Pencier Publications, 1987.
  • Dr. Zed's Science Surprises (juvenile), Simon & Schuster (New York), 1989.
  • Sensational Science Activities with Dr. Zed (juvenile), Simon & Schuster (New York), 1990.
  • More Science Surprises from Dr. Zed (juvenile), Simon & Schuster (New York), 1992.
  • Science Fun: Hands-on Science with Dr. Zed, 1998.

References

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  1. ^ a b c Dickson, Nancy (1983). "Dr. Zed's Dazzling Book of Science Activities: Book Review". CM: A Reviewing Journal of Canadian Materials for Young People. The Manitoba Library Association. Retrieved 2015-10-06.
  2. ^ Webster, Alma (1990). "Dr. Zed's Sensational Science Activities: Book Review". CM: A Reviewing Journal of Canadian Materials for Young People. The Manitoba Library Association. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  3. ^ Bain, Amy Jo; Richer, Janet; Weckman, Janet (2001). Physical Sciences: Curriculum Resources and Activities for School Librarians and Teachers. Libraries Unlimited. p. 93. ISBN 9781563086809.
  4. ^ "Owlkids: Then and Now - Owlkids". Owlkids. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  5. ^ "Owl Tv (1985)". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on January 31, 2018. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  6. ^ Robertson, Joanne (1988). "Magic Mud and Other Great Experiments: Book Review". CM: A Reviewing Journal of Canadian Materials for Young People. The Manitoba Library Association. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  7. ^ Williams, Eve (1990). "Dr Zed's Science Surprises". CM: A Reviewing Journal of Canadian Materials for Young People. The Manitoba Library Association. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
  8. ^ "Gordon William Gavin Penrose, C.M., M.Ed". Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
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