On Saturday, April 10th, Brigham Young University hosted the Chemistry Extravaganza with Magical Elements. The event took place at the university's Provo campus and was open to the public. The Chemistry Extravaganza aimed to engage and educate attendees about the wonders of chemistry through a series of demonstrations and interactive activities. The highlight of the event was the incorporation of magical elements, which added an enchanting twist to the traditional study of chemistry. Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to witness various chemical reactions and experiments that seemed almost like magic. From color-changing solutions to disappearing substances, the demonstrations left the audience in awe.
This year’s National Chemistry Week coincided the International Year of the Periodic Table as well as the centennial anniversary of the BYU 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. in W140 BNSN to hear BYU professors Kara Stowers and Jaron Hansen share how their research converts greenhouse gases to useful chemistry building blocks and treats precursor gases that become pollution.
From color-changing solutions to disappearing substances, the demonstrations left the audience in awe. One of the most memorable demonstrations involved the use of liquid nitrogen, a substance with a temperature of around -320°F. The presenter demonstrated how various objects, such as flowers and balloons, can become extremely brittle and shatter when exposed to liquid nitrogen.
Chemistry Magic Show - National Chemistry Week
National Chemistry Week will take place October 18 – 23, and BYU is excited to announce the return of several popular community events being held this year on the Brigham Young University campus. This year’s events are sponsored by the Central Utah Section of the American Chemical Society.
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. This year’s theme, “Fast or Slow: Chemistry Makes It Go!” will showcase the chemistry involved in creating a cleaner, greener environment.
Crowd-pleasing chemical magic shows will be held Monday through Friday, October 18 – 23, in W111 and W112 Ezra Taft Benson Building (BNSN). Although the events are free, seating is limited and tickets will be required. Tickets can be reserved beginning October 4 online at www.chem.byu.edu/about/ncw or by calling the Chemistry Department office (801.422.3667). Please be aware that in classrooms on the BYU campus, masks are required for all attendees.
Interested in creating a cleaner, greener environment? Attend a seminar on Thursday, October 21 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in W140 BNSN to hear BYU professors Kara Stowers and Jaron Hansen share how their research converts greenhouse gases to useful chemistry building blocks and treats precursor gases that become pollution. Facial coverings will also be required for the seminar.
This weeklong event concludes Saturday, October 23 with a Chem4Kids hands-on chemistry workshop for kids. Children ages 4 – 12 are invited to be chemists for the morning. The walk-in workshop will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Children’s Story Room at the Provo City Library.
Celebrations for this spectacular event took place from the 20- 26 October. In honor of the International Year of the Periodic Table, the theme for this year was “Marvelous Metals.”
This showcased the extreme temperature change that can occur within the realm of chemistry. Another popular activity at the Chemistry Extravaganza was the creation of chemical volcanoes. Attendees were able to mix different compounds to produce a volcanic eruption-like reaction. The combination of chemicals and the subsequent eruption demonstrated the fascinating nature of chemical reactions. In addition to the demonstrations, there were also interactive booths where attendees could participate in hands-on experiments. From creating slime to building simple circuits, these activities allowed participants to engage with the principles of chemistry in a fun and interactive way. Overall, the Chemistry Extravaganza with Magical Elements was a captivating event that successfully combined the wonder of chemistry with a touch of magic. The incorporation of magical elements added an extra layer of intrigue, making the event both educational and entertaining for attendees of all ages..
Reviews for "BYU's Chemistry Extravaganza: An Unforgettable Experience Exploring the Fascinating World of Magical Elements"
1. John - 1/5 Stars
I attended the "BYU Chemistry Extravaganza with Magical Elements" with high expectations, but I left feeling utterly disappointed. The show seemed more like a poorly executed magic show rather than a chemistry extravaganza. The experiments were basic, and the use of magical elements felt forced and gimmicky. I was hoping to learn something new about chemistry, but instead, I was bombarded with cheap tricks and flashy effects. Overall, the event lacked substance and failed to provide an engaging and educational experience.
2. Sarah - 2/5 Stars
As a chemistry enthusiast, I was excited to attend the "BYU Chemistry Extravaganza with Magical Elements," but unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. While the use of magical elements added some entertainment value, it overshadowed the chemistry aspect of the show. The experiments felt rushed, and important explanations were glossed over. Rather than deepening my understanding of chemistry, I was left feeling unsatisfied and longing for a more in-depth exploration of the subject. The show had potential, but it missed the mark by prioritizing spectacle over educational content.
3. Mark - 2/5 Stars
I found the "BYU Chemistry Extravaganza with Magical Elements" to be underwhelming. The show relied heavily on flashy effects and theatrics, neglecting the actual chemistry behind the experiments. The explanations were brief and superficial, leaving many questions unanswered. Additionally, the pace of the show was too fast, making it difficult to fully comprehend the processes taking place. While the use of magical elements added a unique touch, it felt more like a distraction rather than a complement to the chemistry demonstrations. Overall, I expected a more informative and engaging experience.
4. Emily - 1/5 Stars
Attending the "BYU Chemistry Extravaganza with Magical Elements" was a total waste of time for me. The show failed to provide any educational value and felt more like a cheap magic trick exhibition. The experiments were predictable and lacked depth, with the magical elements overshadowing any potential chemistry-related learning. It felt like a show designed for children rather than an audience interested in genuinely understanding chemistry. I left the event feeling disappointed and regretful of the time and money I had wasted.