The Dancing Scientist connecting with kids

Dr. Jeff Vinokur is arguably the world’s coolest scientist and he is on his way to celebrity status with his spellbinding science shows and hip-hop dance moves.

The 30-year-old New Jersey native, now a UCLA transplant, has quite literally captured the attention of millions of YouTube viewers with his presentations combining science lessons and electrifying dance moves, achieving viral status on more than one occasion.

Growing up, Vinokur walked, talked, ate, drank, slept and dreamed about science. “I have always been passionate about science. When I was growing up, I was really inspired by shows like The Magic School Bus and Bill Nye The Science Guy,” Vinokur said.

During his teen years, he also discovered he had a passion for dancing, and he gravitated to the fun and funky street dance style called popping (an early genre of hip-hop dance). “I even took lessons, and also would spend hours looking at videos of Jazzy J from the ELECTRIC BOOGALOOS,” said Vinokur.

One thing lead to another, and BAM! the dancing scientist was born. Inspired to share his love of science and dancing, in 2018 Vinokur founded Generation Genius, a K-8 teaching resource that brings school science standards alive through spectacular educational videos. He also complements each video with lesson plans, online quizzes, and DIY home activities.

Since the pandemic, millions of students have been tuning into Vinokur’s Generation Genius and getting fired up about science and moon-walking, too.

Vinokur notes that dancing is a great medium for your daily exercise. “Dancing is one of the best ways to get in your fitness. You are learning a skill that is fun, enjoyable -- which also allows you to express yourself,” said Vinokur.

I couldn’t agree more. Dancing, no matter the style, provides unlimited heath benefits. It improves cardiovascular health, increases muscular strength and endurance, improves muscle tone, and is beneficial to both adults and kids.

And since we are all likely to be, well, a little stir crazy from both COVID-19 lockdowns and the winter blahs, we can all use a little electric boogaloo in our lives right about now.

Vinokur’s unique blend of hip-hop moves and engaging science demonstrations has inspired kids (and geek adults like me) to want to learn even more about subjects like biology, chemistry, and how to make things explode.

A Fresh Look at the Periodic Table

The dancing scientist literally spices up the periodic table by bringing the elements alive and making them memorable. He has changed that old image of the stodgy stacked elements squares, bringing the periodic table alive and making it hip, too.

Breaking Down the Science

Vinokur’s most popular video, “Bacteria and Viruses,” is a collaboration with the National Science Teaching Association to explain the coronavirus to kids. It has become a national hit with parents, teachers, and students alike.

Lighting Up Scientific Literacy

Vinokur is leading the way on the best practices to educate and engage the next generation on the significance of scientific literacy. His middle-school lessons include segments on STEM careers, such as virologist, engineer, chemist, and environmental policy analyst.

Educational Entertainment

Vinokur definitely has the secret sauce, but I believe his innovative and creative teaching techniques are also leading the way in how successful edu-tainment is executed. Even post-pandemic, I predict that learning remotely is likely here to stay. In that respect, Vinokur has raised the bar and made learning more efficient, effective, fun, engaging, and positively entertaining.