Nov 6, 2024
In this episode, Alan talks with Windell Oskay, co-founder of
Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories. Windell discusses updating Make:
The Annotated Build-it-Yourself Science Laboratory, a childhood
favorite of his, to inspire today’s young scientists. They
highlight the importance of hands-on learning, creativity, and
safety, especially in electrical experiments. Windell is also the
author of Open Circuits: The Inner Beauty of Electronic Components,
which explores the hidden beauty inside electronics, showcasing
intricate cross-sections of devices from vacuum tubes to
smartphones. Additionally, he shares insights into quantum
computing and his company’s work creating pen plotters for
artists.
Guest Bio
Windell Oskay, co-founder of Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories,
holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Texas at Austin and a
BA in Physics and Mathematics from Lake Forest College. Before
launching his company, Windell worked at Stanford Research Systems
and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Evil Mad
Scientist Laboratories creates electronics and robotics kits and
runs a popular DIY blog. In addition to updating the Make: The
Annotated Build-it-Yourself Science Laboratory, Windell authored
Open Circuits: The Inner Beauty of Electronic Components, a book
that reveals the hidden beauty inside electronics.
Show Notes
- (1:31) What inspired Windell to update and annotate the Build-It-Yourself Science Laboratory
- (4:03) Why Windell thinks it’s important for kids to do hands-on science activities
- (7:10) How parents and teacher should approach the book from a safety perspective
- (11:21) Activities in the book related to atomic science
- (15:08) How Windell prepared the pieces in Open Circuits and what the most challenging aspects were
- (18:14) What passive components are and why Wendell started with them
- (21:04) How components fit into phone cameras and other devices
- (26:32) Where to learn more about Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories
Links Referenced
- Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories: https://www.evilmadscientist.com/
- Make: The Annotated Build-it-Yourself Science Laboratory: https://www.amazon.com/Annotated-Build-Yourself-Science-Laboratory/dp/1457186896
- Open Circuits: The Inner Beauty of Electronic Components: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Circuits-Beauty-Electronic-Components/dp/1718502346