A fire-breathing pumpkin and some lively chemical reactions will highlight an Oct. 20 CU Wizards show about chemistry at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Veronica Bierbaum, a professor in CU-Boulder's chemistry and biochemistry department, will present the free program "The Magic of Chemistry" at 9:30 a.m. in Cristol Chemistry and Biochemistry Building room 140. The show will have a Halloween theme and children are invited to wear costumes.
During the program, Bierbaum and three student "Wizards in training" will demonstrate reactions that might appear to be magical, including a self-lighting candle, but instead are based on well-understood chemistry. The audience also will be invited to predict the results of experiments using electronic handheld devices called clickers.
The CU Wizards series runs September to June and features presentations on astronomy, chemistry and physics. Though intended primarily for students in grades five through nine, the Saturday shows are educational and entertaining to people of any age.
For more information about CU Wizards call (303) 492-5011 or visit the Web site for a complete schedule of upcoming shows at .