Chemistry @ IU :: Community Outreach

Community Outreach

Community Outreach

Chemistry Magic Shows

The Department of Chemistry occasionally performs Magic Shows for high schools, open house visitors, and other local groups in the community. These shows contain colorful explosions, bubbling chemicals, gooey substances, and many other things to capture the attention of both children and adults. Demonstrations performed during these shows are intended to increase both awareness and interest in the aspects and possibilities of chemistry.

At the Department of Chemistry, we believe that a strong community is important. That's why we reach out to try to give back to the local community in any way we can. We develop free learning tools for students, offer chemical demonstrations and tours to local schools, assist teachers in acquiring chemical supplies and equipment, and many other things. Also, members of our department, ranging from undergraduate students to faculty members, are always happy to give special guest lectures and share their knowledge and experience with others.

Here are some of the things we do to give back to the community:

Computer Assisted Learning Method (CALM)
CALM is a free web-based learning tool that provides both students and teachers with assessment about the comprehension of a particular topic.

Chemistry Magic Shows, Demonstrations and Experiments
The Department of Chemistry prides itself in the demonstrations it performs for schools to open the eyes of students toward chemistry. If you are in need of a demonstration or Chemistry Magic Show for your school, please contact us and we can arrange a small group to come and present.

Chemistry Department Tours
You are welcome to bring your class to the department for a Chemistry Tour; popular tour stops include the glass shop, the NMR facility, Proteomic Facility, and the Molecular Structure Center. While you are at IU, we can also give your class a Chemistry Magic Show. We can arrange a tour that fits your schedule and students.

Guest Speakers
If you wish for a professor, scientist or even one of the graduate or undergraduate students in the Chemistry department to come to speak with a class, we can arrange for it. Schedules are busy, but many people are willing to share their knowledge and experience.

Equipment and Chemical Use
If you need any help in picking out demonstrations or experiments for your students, we can make arrangements to loan out glassware and provide equipment or chemicals that you need. We are a great source for liquid nitrogen and dry ice!

If you are interested in any of these volunteer services that we provide, or otherwise wish to learn more, please contact our coordinator of community outreach, James Clark, by email at clark95@indiana.edu or by phone at (812) 855-1192.