author
John H. Woodburn
b. 1914
A science educator and writer, he spent decades helping students see chemistry and physics as lively, approachable parts of everyday life. His books and teaching materials were shaped by long classroom experience and a strong belief in curiosity-driven learning.
1 Audiobook
Whole Body Counters
by John H. Woodburn, F. W. (Frederick W.) Lengemann
About the author
John H. Woodburn was an American science teacher, education specialist, and author born in Fleming, Ohio, in 1914. He studied at Marietta College, Ohio State University, and Michigan State University, where he earned a doctorate in education. Over the course of his career, he taught at institutions including Michigan State University, Illinois State Normal University, Johns Hopkins University, and later Walter Johnson High School in Rockville, Maryland.
His work combined science, teaching, and writing. A contemporary author note for Whole Body Counters says he taught chemistry and had already written Radioisotopes, while his obituary describes a much broader output: more than twenty science enrichment books for young readers, college texts on science teaching, journal articles, and pamphlets on teacher training. He also served as Assistant Executive Secretary of the National Science Teachers Association and helped develop teacher-education programs, including a Ford Foundation Master of Arts in Teaching program at Johns Hopkins.
Woodburn appears to have been especially interested in making science engaging and usable in the classroom. According to his obituary, he founded Teaching Research and Development Associates, created teaching games, and helped launch two science magazines published by Scholastic. He died in 2007 at age 93, remembered as someone who devoted his life to science, education, and writing.