Brigham Young University’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is offering the community a chance to go “Behind the Scenes With Chemistry” during a weeklong celebration held at various campus locations Tuesday through Saturday, Oct. 19–23.
The event, held in conjunction with National Chemistry Week and in association with the Central Utah section of the American Chemical Society, will include science exhibits and activities for people of all ages and interests.
Chemistry Magic Shows
Chemical Magic Shows will be held in W111 and W112 Ezra Taft Benson Building during National Chemistry Week to illustrate principles of chemistry through entertaining demonstrations. The shows will occur at 6 and 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18; and 7 and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Oct. 19 through 22. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved online by visiting
www.chem.byu.edu/ncw/tickets. Groups of 10 or more must call Susan Mortensen at (801) 422-3667 to make reservations.
Chemistry Movie Lectures
A series of lectures called “Chemistry in the Movies” will use popular cinema to delve into science Thursday, Oct. 21, in W140 Benson Building. The series includes “Biochemistry in ‘Jurassic Park’” at 3 p.m., “Thermodynamics of ‘Flubber’ and ‘The Saint’” at 3:35 p.m., “Forensics in ‘CSI’ and Real Life” at 4 p.m. and a lecture on lasers at 4:35 p.m. titled “Why No, Mr. Bond, I Expect You to Die!”
Science Poster Session
A research poster session will give visitors an opportunity to learn more about current research projects by members of the Central Utah ACS section. Posters will be on display in the Benson Building lobby Thursday through Friday, Oct. 21–22. A reception will be held in the same location Friday, Oct. 22, from 4 to 6 p.m.
The celebration will end with a kids’ hands-on chemistry workshop at the Provo Library at Academy Square. The workshop will be held in the children’s section from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23.
National Chemistry Week is designed to further public awareness of chemistry’s contributions to everyday life and the world we live in. It is celebrated annually during the third week of October and unites ACS sections, businesses, schools and the community.
For more information, contact Susan Mortensen at (801) 422-3667 or suemort@chem.byu.edu. Visit www.chem.byu.edu/nationalchemistryweek for more details.
Writer: Philip Volmar
