By Professor Garon C. Smith, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Montana
This book is a collection of my favorite chemistry demonstrations that I have used to engage students and the general public over my career as a university professor. Each demonstration is introduced with a description of how it fits into a chemical syllabus. This is followed by a list of the chemical reagents and equipment that I use in performing it. I provide an explanation of the chemical principles explored in the demonstration, often using PowerPoint slides as figures. A separate PowerPoint file is included with each demonstration that can be used directly in a classroom situation. Many of the slides have rather extensive animations to help underscore important points. A precautions section points out where safety issues need to be considered. Finally, I have inserted hyperlinks to videos on the internet that can be viewed to see a live example of my way of presenting the spell.
Check back frequently as the collection will be updated and added to frequently as I capture new tricks.
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Prologue: The Montana Magician: How a Muggle Became a Wizard
Gabrielle Golding and Garon C. Smith
This 12-minute video was taken in late June and early July of 2014 while Garon Smith was on a 6-month wizarding sabbatical. It was filmed and produced by Gabby Golding, an M.S. Candidate in the University of Otago's Science Communications Department. Much of the footage ... Read More
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Chapter 0: Introduction
Garon C. Smith
This is a brief historical account of how I grew up to be a wizard. It also explains my belief in live demonstrations to make chemistry concepts more approachable to audiences. I explain how I have I have incorporated these lively teaching devices into my ... Read More
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Chapter 1: The Ink Spell
Garon C. Smith
The Ink Spell demonstration is a dramatic way to engage audiences into the wonders of chemical reactions. Two potions are swirled together in an Erlenmeyer flask as an incantation is delivered. As the spell is concluded, the liquid instantly turns from clear to purplish black ... Read More
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Chapter 2: The Cauldron of Fire
Garon C. Smith
The Cauldron of Fire is merely a glorified flame test with some added sparks at the end. When performing it, I can always rely upon a gasp from the audience as the flames turns decidedly green. In a chemical classroom, it offers an unparalleled chance ... Read More
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Chapter 3: The Freezing Spell
Garon C. Smith
The Freezing Spell is a fun one to pass off as a wizarding feat. A supersaturated solution of sodium acetate trihydrate is nucleated with seed crystals that the demonstrator has cleverly hidden on the tip of his/her middle finger. When the fingers are snapped over ... Read More
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Chapter 4: Mom's Magic Pitcher
Garon C. Smith
Mom’s Magic Pitcher is especially fun to do with younger audiences. Children are particularly enchanted with the dramatic color changes that occur when apple juice turns to grape juice and vice versa. It can be coupled to a backstory that talks about how difficult it ... Read More
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Chapter 5: The Chemical Calculator
Garon C. Smith
The Chemical Calculator combines invisible ink with a sophisticated math trick. The audience is poled for digits to use in either a 2-digit or 3-digit set of calculations. Once the digits have been obtained, a difference is calculated between the original set of digits and ... Read More