Stephen Jay Gould Movies
- 1997
Lisa Simpson (voice of Yeardley Smith) learns that ground will soon be broken for a new shopping mall in Sabretooth Meadows, a part of Springfield where rare fossils have been uncovered in the past. Eager to see if more can be discovered, Lisa asks the developers permission for Springfield Elementary's students to organize a dig on the grounds before construction starts. They agree, and to the surprise of all, a strange skeleton is uncovered -- one with the body of a human, but with what appears to be wings growing from its back. While many townspeople are convinced the remains of an angel has been found -- including Homer (voice of Dan Castellaneta), who steals the remain and puts them on display in his garage -- Lisa is convinced there's a scientific explanation for the strange find, and asks Stephen Jay Gould to look into the matter. However, the next day the skeleton disappears and is discovered at the top of a hill, emblazoned with the legend "The End Is Near." As Springfield's residents ponder the meaning of this ominous statement, the matter divides the Simpson household, with Lisa standing on the side of science and reason while her mother Marge (voice of Julie Kavner) expresses her belief in the spiritual world. "Lisa The Skeptic" first aired on November 23, 1997. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1987
In this series, which is aimed at young students, several well-known scientists are profiled, with an emphasis on their early years. Dr. Stephen Jay Gould is a paleontologist who has written almost 20 books, including the best-selling Bully for Brontosaurus. He became interested in science at the age of five, encouraged by his natural history-loving father. Gould is a professor at both New York University and Harvard, where this program was filmed. His thought-provoking commentary on evolution and human intelligence will engage viewers from grade six and up. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
