Chemistry Magic Show
The Cotchetts, the Baileys and Cal Poly are pleased to present a video and booklet for use of instructors seeking to bring the fun and excitement of science to the children in your classrooms.
The demonstrations in this show generally illustrate physical and chemical change of matter. Physical change is the conversion between states of matter: solid to liquid (melting), liquid to solid (freezing), liquid to gas (boiling or evaporation), gas to liquid (condensation), and solid to gas (sublimation). In these changes the composition of the substances do not change, just the physical state. When chemical changes occur, the chemical composition of the substance changes. We see this in everyday life all the time. Burning wood, cooking, digestion, and spoiling of food are examples of how new substances are formed that are very different from the original.
Download the Chemistry Magic Show Handbook (PDF 1.56MB)
Chemistry Magic Show Contents
- Introduction to Chemistry
- Vacuum Demonstrations
- Liquid Nitrogen
- Collapsing Cans
- Lemonade Trick
- Dissolving Styrofoam Cups
- Black and Gold Delayed Reactions
- Oscillating Clock
- Sterno
- Baking Soda and Citrus Juices
- Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Baking Soda as a Test for Acids
- Carbonated Beverages
- Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
- Purple Cabbage as an Acid-Base Indicator
- Nylon
- Burning Steel Wool in Oxygen
- Hydrogen and Helium Balloons
- The Finale
- Message from Warren Baker, President of Cal Poly
- Credits and Interviews with Grade School Children
- Science Inspirations with Cal Poly Students
- Notes on Opening Shots
Experiments to try at home
- Purple Cabbage as an Acid-Base Indicator
- Baking Soda as an Acid Indicator
- Experiments with Alka-Seltzer
- Ice and Salt
- Water Solubility
- Density
- Density and Salt Water
- Chromatography of Felt Pen Inks
- Fruits and Vegetables are Mostly Water
- Collapsing Aluminum Can
- How Much Whipped Cream or Shaving Cream is in a Can?
- Ping Pong Ball in a Funnel
- Polaroid or Polarized Glasses