There have been hundreds of scientific studies that prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that kids learn better if they have a couple of puppets to instruct them. Or there should scientific studies that prove the superiority of puppets as teachers because it's common knowledge and we should make it official.

One program that aimed to educate children while entertaining them was the 1956 series Adventures in Numbers and Space. The human host (sometimes needed in addition to puppets), Bil Baird, ran through the history of mankind's love affair--and dependence on--math. Baird taught simple arithmetic and worked up to more complex concepts like binary systems, using stories, anecdotes and songs to engage his young viewers.

The host was ably aided by his two puppets, Snarky and Gargle, who kept Baird from getting too far ahead of his audience. Snarky and Gargle, ladies and gentlemen, two unsung heroes.

The series consisted of nine episodes and was sponsored by the Westinghouse Broadcasting Company.