March 19, 1982 - In this Science Town Meeting, Dr. James Rutherford, of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, speaks on science education in the school system. Rutherford’s speech is titled “Science Education in the Schools: Are We Failing?” Dick Clark, science program specialist with the Minnesota Department of Education, also provides a regional perspective on the science education debate. MPR’s Rich Dietman hosts and moderates’ program.
April 27, 1982 - Joanne Slavin, assistant professor and extension nutritionist at the University of Minnesota, discusses the role of nutrition and exercise. Slavin also answers listener questions.
July 10, 1982 - On this Weekend program, Robert (Bob) Franson, vice-president of U.S Satellite Broadcasting Company, discusses direct broadcast satellite (DBS) and other satellite topics. Franson also answers listener questions.
November 30, 1982 - Climatologist Iben Browning speaking to Investment Advisors, Inc., in Bloomington. Browning states a combination of natural forces will cause what he terms a double-dip winter for most of the United States. It will be cold at first with lots of snow, then warm, then cold again late into next spring. For the long term into the next century, Browning predicts that crop growing seasons in many countries will be shortened by a trend to cooler weather in the Northern Hemisphere. Iben Browning holds a PhD degree in zoology, genetics and physiology from the University of Texas, and the author of several books including one titled, "Climate and the Affairs of Man".
November 30, 1982 - Donald Baker, University of Minnesota professor of soil science, and Brian Hanson, of the University of Minnesota Department of Geography, discuss climate predictions. Baker and Hanson also answer listener questions.
December 3, 1982 - Author Irving Stone speaking at Nobel Conference XVIII - Darwin's Legacy held at Gustavus Adolphus College. Stone’s address was titled “"The Human Mind after Darwin.” His latest book is entitled, "The Origin"; it is a history of Charles Darwin, his friends, and his time. He has achieved best-selling popularity and critical acclaim for such works as "Lust for Life", "The Agony and the Ecstasy", and "Passions of the Mind". The Nobel Conference at Gustavus was the first formal Nobel lecture program outside of Sweden and Norway to have the official authorization of the Nobel Foundation. The annual program began in 1965 and features several Nobel laureates and other highly acclaimed scholars. The 1982 conference theme was Darwin's Legacy, in observance of the centenary of the death of Charles Darwin. Eminent figures in the fields of natural history and other disciplines discussed Darwin's effects not only on science, but on history and sociology.
December 18, 1982 - On this Weekend program, Bruce Watson, consulting meteorologist, discusses northern lights, winter, and the science of weather. Watson also answers listener questions.
December 22, 1982 - Richard E. Leakey, paleoanthropologist and author, speaking at the 1982 Nobel Conference, held at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. Leakey’s address was titled, "African Origins: A Review of the Record." Leakey is son of two of the most well-known figures in paleontology. He and his parents are internationally known for their work in East Africa. The Nobel Conference was the first lecture program outside the Scandinavian countries to be recognized by the Nobel Foundation. The theme of the 1982 conference was "Darwin's Legacy", in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the death of Charles Darwin. Several experts in the fields of natural history and other disciplines explored Darwin's impact on science, history, and sociology.
January 1, 1983 - MPR’s Bob Potter interviews Joanne Slavin, associate professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota, who discusses good food, nutrition, and healthy dietary guidelines. Slavin also answers listener questions.
February 4, 1983 - MPR’s Lee Axdahl interviews Benny Phares, a parapsychologist, who discusses psychic phenomenon, out of body experiences, ghosts, hauntings and similar subjects. Phares also answers listener questions.