CHEM-420: The Science and Art of Chemical Demonstrations

About

CHEM-420 is a course run by an upper-level chemistry student in the spring of each year.  This course explores what it means to give an effective presentation of a chemical demonstration, focusing on presentation skills, communication of the ideas behind chemical processes to various audience types, the process of finding, troubleshooting, and finally presenting a demonstration, and how to interact with your audience.  One of the primary functions of the course is to give a presentation during WesFest that highlights the strengths of the chemistry department at Wesleyan.  Additionally, trips are made to local schools to give interesting presentations to younger students and promote a general interest in chemistry.

WesFest

Each year the CHEM-420 group puts on a show during WesFest (usually in April) that is open to all prospective and current Wesleyan students, the purpose of which is to communicate information about the chemistry department and community at Wesleyan while presenting an enjoyable demonstration show.  The show has in recent years been titled "Barely Controlled Substances" and "Big Fire Friday".

Outreach (Local Schools)

The CHEM-420 class has in the past done demonstrations at Middletown High School for a range of class levels.  If you are a chemistry or general science teacher interested in having the CHEM-420 class give a presentation in your classroom, please contact Professor Westmoreland.

Previous WesFest Photos and Videos