Norman “Norm” Dean Anderson, a professor emeritus of science education with NC State’s College of Education, passed away on April 6, 2022. He was a member of the College of Education’s science education faculty for over 30 years.
His goal was to improve the teaching and learning of science, and he did that throughout his distinguished career.
After a year in the U.S. Army and graduating from the University of Iowa, Anderson began teaching junior high school science in 1951. He later earned his Ph.D. in science education from The Ohio State University’s College of Education, where he was elected to its Hall of Fame in 2004. He joined NC State’s College of Education in 1963, was promoted to the rank of professor in 1971, was named an Alumni Distinguished Professor in 1973, and retired in 1994.
Throughout his 30 years at NC State, he wrote at least 32 books, including a series of science textbooks for junior high school students, and received numerous teaching awards, including twice receiving NC State’s Outstanding Teacher Award and being elected to the Academy of Outstanding Teachers.
After retiring, Anderson created The Ferris Wheel Newsletter and wrote two books on Ferris wheels, leading him to become a world-recognized expert on Ferris wheels.
In the teacher’s edition of a textbook he co-authored in 1972, Physical Science: A Search for Understanding, Anderson and his co-authors shared why they taught science:
“Our society is first a democratic one, placing emphasis on the optimum development of each individual as a contributing citizen. In addition, it is a scientific and technological society, in which new career opportunities are constantly being generated. Also, ours is a rapidly changing society, not only scientifically and technologically, but in all areas of human endeavor. The result is a need for future citizens who are able to solve a multitude of problems using rational scientific processes.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Eddie and Effie Anderson Library Endowment Fund supporting the preservation of the NC State University Libraries’ collections. Anderson established that fund in honor of his parents.
Gifts can be made online, or sent and made payable to “Friends of the Libraries”, NC State University Libraries, c/o Allison Hughes, Campus Box 7111, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7111.
Read more about Anderson and his legacy, as well as share your memories and express your sympathies to the family, through Brown-Wynne Raleigh.
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