Chemistry Spectacle with a Touch of Magic at BYU Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, is well known for its exceptional programs, including a unique chemistry presentation that combines science and the art of magic. The chemistry spectacle, known as "Chem Wizards," is a popular event for both students and the public alike. Led by BYU's Dr. John Sutherland, a renowned professor and former magician, the Chem Wizards show aims to captivate audiences with dazzling displays of chemical reactions, all while providing a deeper understanding of the principles behind them. During the show, Dr. Sutherland performs a range of eye-catching experiments, often using everyday items that one would find around the house.
All events are free, and the public is welcome to attend.
Activities will include entertaining chemical magic shows for the whole family, a hands-on workshop for kids, and a seminar hosted by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Activities will include entertaining chemical magic shows for the whole family, a hands-on workshop for kids, and a seminar hosted by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Sutherland performs a range of eye-catching experiments, often using everyday items that one would find around the house. From setting fire to water, turning liquids into solids, or creating mesmerizing colored flames, the Chem Wizards show leaves spectators in awe. What sets the Chem Wizards show apart from other chemistry presentations is the element of magic.
BYU Faculty and Students Bridge the Gap Between Magic and Science
BYU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will celebrate National Chemistry Week by hosting “magic shows” on BYU campus Oct. 17-21. And while most magic shows are all about sleight of hand, these shows don’t need to rely on diversions to astound.
National Chemistry Week is a nationwide event sponsored by the American Chemical Society to encourage chemists in their local communities to engage the public—specifically children and teens—in learning about chemistry.
The magic shows on campus consist of BYU chemistry professors demonstrating extraordinary reactions between various chemicals and substances. Some demonstrations include flaming tornados and the exhibition of the pyrotechnic reaction of thermite, which is powerful enough to melt through a car.
“Also, you’ll probably get to hear helium’s heavier cousin sulfur hexafluoride,” said BYU Y-Chem President Alex Farnsworth.
Y-Chem is the BYU student chapter of the American Chemical Society and its members are responsible for directing the activities associated with National Chemistry Week in Provo. Members of Y-Chem will assist the faculty in preparing and presenting the magic shows. The shows are available to all individuals interested in attending.
“8 to 18 [year olds] are the real target audience, but anyone who is interested in chemistry or enjoys science will enjoy the magic show,” Farnsworth said. “You can always learn something new.”
In addition to the magic shows, members of Y-Chem will sell liquid nitrogen ice cream in the Ezra Taft Benson Building hallways during National Chemistry Week. Y-Chem will also be at the Provo City Library on Oct. 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to share some hands-on chemistry demonstrations with younger scientists.
“I encourage people to attend because we live in a world filled with chemistry, and whether you intend to be scientist or not, it probably should be of some importance to you,” Farnsworth said. “I really hope that in coming, the mystery and the magic behind some aspects of science will be lessened.”
Magic shows will be held on Monday, Oct. 17, in the Ezra Taft Benson Building at 5:00 p.m. in room W112 and 6:30 p.m. in room W111. Shows from Tuesday, Oct. 18 to Friday, Oct. 21 will be held at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. They will be held in rooms W112 and W111 respectively. Admission to the magic show is free, but seating is limited and requires a ticket. To reserve tickets or for more information on additional National Chemistry Week events, please visit the website here .
In addition to the magic shows, members of Y-Chem will sell liquid nitrogen ice cream in the Ezra Taft Benson Building hallways during National Chemistry Week. Y-Chem will also be at the Provo City Library on Oct. 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to share some hands-on chemistry demonstrations with younger scientists.
Dr. Sutherland strategically incorporates tricks and illusions into the show, stirring up intrigue and piquing the curiosity of the audience. By combining science and magic, he creates an interactive experience that engages the crowd and leaves them wanting more. Beyond the entertainment value, the Chem Wizards show serves an educational purpose. Dr. Sutherland takes the time to explain the science behind each experiment, ensuring that the audience walks away with a clearer understanding of chemical reactions. Through captivating demonstrations, he effectively communicates complex concepts in a way that is accessible and enjoyable for all. The Chem Wizards show is not only a hit with students at BYU but has also gained recognition beyond campus borders. The spectacle has been featured on various media outlets and has even been performed at other universities and schools, spreading the excitement of chemistry to a wider audience. In conclusion, the chemistry spectacle known as "Chem Wizards" at BYU is a unique fusion of science and magic. Led by Dr. John Sutherland, the show combines dazzling chemical experiments with illusion and tricks to captivate and educate the audience. Through this engaging and educational experience, the Chem Wizards show serves as a reminder that science can be both compelling and entertaining..
Reviews for "Bringing Chemistry to Life: BYU's Mesmerizing Performances"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with the "Chemistry spectacle with a touch of magic" show at BYU. The title made it sound like it would be an entertaining and mind-blowing experience, but it fell flat on so many levels. The chemistry demonstrations were unimpressive and lacked any wow factor. The "touch of magic" was non-existent, it was just a few basic card tricks that any amateur magician could perform. Overall, the show felt like a poorly planned and executed attempt at entertaining the audience. I would not recommend wasting your time on this disappointment.
2. John - 2 stars - As a fan of chemistry and magic, I was excited to attend the "Chemistry spectacle with a touch of magic" show at BYU. However, the show was a letdown. The chemistry experiments were dull and lacked any innovation. The magician's tricks were predictable and lacked any true sense of wonder. I expected more from a show that claimed to combine two fascinating fields. It felt like an amateur production that failed to reach its full potential. I wouldn't recommend this show to anyone seeking an exciting and captivating experience.