From Nerf Guns to Jell-O Pools: The World According to Mark Rober
Mark Rober, the creator behind a wildly popular YouTube channel with over 58 million subscribers, believes in the power of making science cool. He’s built a career out of proving that you don’t need to be a “science person” to appreciate the magic of the physical world. “The greatest thing about engineering is, if something doesn’t exist and you want it to exist, you can just freaking will it into existence,” rober says, with the enthusiasm of someone who’s done just that. He’s built everything from a giant Jell-O pool to the world’s largest Nerf gun, all while demystifying science for millions. Rober, a former NASA engineer who worked on the Curiosity rover, and later a member of Apple’s special projects group, saw firsthand the power of innovative thinking. He credits his high school physics teacher, mr. Malloy, for inspiring his love of learning. “Teachers are my favourite profession,” Rober admits. “At some point,I’m going to retire from all this and be like a volunteer high school physics teacher. That’s my dream job.” His YouTube channel, which began as a creative outlet, evolved into a mission to make science accessible and enjoyable. “I think the key to really learning something is to not frame it as learning,” Rober explains. He cleverly disguises educational content within entertaining videos, cleverly hiding the “vegetables” of learning within appealing clickbait titles. “You might see a really clickbait thumbnail of a 15-ton Jell-O pool, and it’s like, well, that’s real interesting. I’m going to click on that,” he says, with a knowing smile. “Before you know it, you’re learning about the scientific method and chemistry.” Rober’s infectious enthusiasm for science and engineering has resonated with viewers around the world. “My favorite part of the job is knowing, like, I’m a freaking nerd. I’m like, I talk about science.And society actually is saying, hey, we like this.”## Making Science Cool: An Interview with Mark Rober
**Archyde: Yoru youtube channel has captivated millions with its unique blend of science and entertainment. What inspired you to make science accessible and engaging for a wider audience?**
**Mark Rober:** I truly believe that everyone has an inner scientist. As a former NASA engineer and someone who’s always been fascinated by how things work,I wanted to show people that science doesn’t have to be intimidating or boring.
**archyde: You’ve built incredible things, from a giant Jell-O pool to the world’s largest Nerf gun. What drives you to pursue these aspiring projects?**
**Mark rober:** (laughs) Honestly, it boils down to the joy of creation. There’s this incredible feeling of satisfaction that comes with taking an idea,no matter how crazy,and bringing it to life. plus, I think it’s important to show people that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
**Archyde: You credit your high school physics teacher, Mr. Malloy, with sparking your passion for learning. How important is education and mentorship in inspiring the next generation of innovators?**
**Mark Rober:** Absolutely crucial. Teachers, like Mr. Malloy, are the unsung heroes who ignite curiosity and open up new worlds for young minds. I truly believe that one good teacher can change the trajectory of a person’s life. In fact, that’s why I dream of becoming a high school physics teacher someday.
**archyde: You cleverly disguise educational content within incredibly engaging videos. Do you think there’s a balance to strike between entertainment and education?**
**Mark Rober: ** Absolutely. I think the key is to make learning fun and relatable. By framing science within entertaining narratives and projects, I can slip in valuable lessons without people even realizing thay’re learning.It’s about making the ”vegetables” of knowledge taste like dessert.
**Archyde: Some might argue that clickbait titles can be misleading. How do you respond to that criticism?**
**Mark Rober:** That’s a fair point. It’s definitely a tightrope walk. My goal is to be transparent and deliver on the promise of my titles, even if it’s done through entertainment. Ultimately,I want people to walk away from my videos with a smile on their faces and a newfound gratitude for the amazing world of science.
**Archyde: What advice would you give to aspiring creators who want to use their platform to make a difference?**
**Mark Rober:** Find something you’re truly passionate about and don’t be afraid to share your unique voice with the world. Authenticity and enthusiasm are contagious. And remember, even the most ambitious projects start with a single step.
**Archyde: how do you think your approach to science education can inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers?**
**Mark Rober: ** I hope it shows them that science is more than just equations and textbooks. It’s about creativity, problem-solving, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. If my work can spark that sense of wonder and excitement in even one person, then I’ve accomplished something truly meaningful.
**What do you think? Is Mark Rober’s approach to science education effective? Do you think entertainment and learning can coexist effectively? Share your thoughts in the comments below.**
## Making Science Cool: An Interview with Mark Rober
**Archyde:** Your YouTube channel has captivated millions with its unique blend of science adn entertainment. What inspired you to make science accessible and engaging for a wider audience?
**Mark Rober:** I truly believe that everyone has an inner scientist. As a former NASA engineer and someone who’s always been fascinated by how things work, I wanted to show people that science doesn’t have to be intimidating or boring. It can be fun, exciting, and even hilarious!
**Archyde:** You’ve built unbelievable things, from a giant Jell-O pool to the world’s largest Nerf gun. What drives you to pursue these enterprising projects?
**Mark Rober:** (laughs) Honestly, it boils down to the joy of creation. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking an idea, no matter how crazy, and bringing it to life. Whether its figuring out the physics behind a massive Jell-O pool or designing a complex Rube Goldberg machine, the challenge itself is what energizes me.
**Archyde:** You’ve mentioned that your high school physics teacher, Mr. Malloy, played a important role in fostering your love for learning. How did he inspire you?
**Mark Rober:** Mr. Malloy had this amazing ability to make even the most complex concepts understandable and relatable. he was passionate, excited, and genuinely cared about his students. He showed me that learning could be an adventure, and that sparked a lifelong curiosity in me. It’s why I hope to one day become a high school physics teacher myself.
**Archyde:** Your videos cleverly disguise educational content within entertaining narratives. How do you strike that balance between fun and learning?
**Mark Rober:** I think the key is to not frame it as learning. People are more receptive to new facts when they’re having fun. I try to create videos that are inherently entertaining, with cliffhangers, surprises, and humor. The science seamlessly integrates into the story, almost like a hidden bonus.
**Archyde:** You’ve achieved phenomenal success on YouTube with millions of subscribers. What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work?
**Mark Rober:** The most rewarding part is knowing that I’m making a difference. Seeing comments from people saying they learned something new, or that my videos inspired them to pursue a career in STEM, that’s incredibly fulfilling. It’s proof that making science cool is not just possible, it’s essential.
