04.12.2003
Chemistry experts will entertain and educate school pupils and members of the public with a series of comic and visually spectacular experiments, demonstrations and explosions on Wednesday 10th December.
Dr Hal Sosabowski (University of Brighton) and John Luton (Varndean College) will combine chemicals in experiments with wonderfully evocative titles such as ‘pulsing reaction’, ‘luminescence’ and ‘instant coffee’ in front 150 members of the public, students and school pupils at the fully booked show.
In ‘pulsing reaction’ three chemicals mixed together turn black then transparent then black then transparent – and so on ad infinitium. In ‘luminescence’, four chemicals mixed together glow in the dark. A metal will catch fire, solutions will change colour and fruits, flowers and even FINGERS will be frozen to –198 degrees – yes, that’s right – MINUS 198 degrees!!!
"The show will stimulate all the senses. There will be bright demonstrations, colour, noise, smell…it will be spectacular! Students learn much faster when they enjoy what they see – I really can’t believe I get paid to do this great stuff,"
said Dr Sosabowski, Principal Lecturer in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences.
Beneath large doses of Laurel and Hardy style comedy lies a serious educational message – chemistry is important in everyday life and is an interesting career choice. Beginning with a Monty Python spoof ‘What has chemistry ever done for us?’ routine, where students shout out ideas such as plastics, medicines and fabric dyes, Hal will then highlight the work of the world’s top ten chemists. Later Hal will stagger back into the room covered in soot after a mock explosion.
The show, now in its third year, has grown hugely since its humble beginnings in front of an audience of 10. The event, in co-operation with the Royal Society of Chemistry, is part of a highly successful outreach events programme committed to nurturing interest and encouraging consideration of careers in science.
Professor Andrew Lloyd, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering commented
"We hope that this will improve students’ understanding of this subject, widen their awareness of the role of chemistry in society and encourage more people to consider future careers in science and engineering disciplines."
University of Brighton, Lewes Road Cockcroft Building, Brighton, BN2 4AT
Ground Floor, Cockcroft Hall. Doors open at 5.00p.m. for 5.30p.m.
Admission Free, includes post-event buffet
The Chemistry Magic show is presented by the Royal Society of Chemistry and
Downland Section Trust in conjunction with the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular
Sciences and Varndean College.
The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences is within the Faculty of Science
and Engineering.
Contact Kath (below) for interviews with Hal Sosabowski, John Luton and Varndean pupils. Lots of visual / audio will make for excellent photo / TV coverage.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
