Chemistry Magic Shows
Fun with Chemistry
A variety of demonstrations will be presented to our
audience
that show how exciting chemistry can be. Most of the displays
will
use readily available materials that will do something unexpected and
interesting
when they react. Planned experiments include “Copper into Gold—an
alchemist’s
dream”, “Metals that Burn”, “Burning Heaps of Color”, “Water,
water—where
did it go?”, “Shake, Float, Sink and Separate”, “The Oscillating
Reaction”,
“The Magic Pitcher”, “The Lemon Shell Game”, “Disappearing Packing
Peanuts”,
“The Blue Bottle Reaction”, “The Magic Mushroom”, “Burning Bubbles”,
“Shrinking
Balloons and Frozen Balls”, and “The Final Test: Is it Hydrogen or
Helium?”.
We will explore the science behind the changes we observe as we do
these
experiments with the assistance of audience volunteers.
If you have a group that would like to see our lively and educational
chemistry show, contact me and we will try to schedule a time to give a
presentation. The demonstrations can be adapted for any age.
We have had elementary, middle school and high school students
here at various times. Since teams of faculty, staff and undergraduate
chemistry students work together in one of the big lecture rooms in
Cowley Hall to give the shows, our scheduling is largely dependent on
room availability. 
