Best Way to Get Smart—and Quick

The three-year-old Ask a Scientist Lecture Series is a smash hit, with monthly talks on a wide range of topics, from the esoteric (“The Secret Life of Ants”) to the fundamental (“Classical Physics 101,” taught by physics teacher Tucker Hiatt). In June 2006, plans for a marine biology–focused event with KQED were in the works. Because you’re never too cool for school, or at least science class.