By Taylor Morris
Staff Writer
On the evening of April 18, Sewanee’s Department of Chemistry had its annual demo show, featuring a presentation of a series of fun experiments for children in the local community. Sewanee students, faculty, and community members were also in attendance, eager to watch the work that the chemistry students have been working on. Hosted by Daniel Myers (C’16) and Willy Wright (C’16), the show’s theme was “Oscar Nights.” Student groups presented skits and experiments based upon scenes from several popular films. Examples of demonstrations in the show include the making of chemical “ice sculptures” from a group of superheroes known as the “Super Saturated Squad” and an Iodine clock reaction mimicking a scene from the new animated film “Home.” Gru and the Minions from “Despicable Me” safely burned money from the audience, and a Black Mamba was transfigured by Professor McGonagall from the Harry Potter series.
Other demonstrations included a “mirror reaction” paying homage to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory by Paul Naumann (C’16), Ava Connor (C’15), and Sarah Moats (C’17), and the creation of “Dragon Toothpaste” by Hagrid, Harry Potter, and Professor Snape. The evening concluded with a firing of several ethanol cannons in tribute to “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and the serving of ice cream made with liquid nitrogen. “It was really a lot of fun to be a part of this event” said Daniel Rosales (C’17), one of the cannon presenters, “I enjoyed the opportunity to get to share my love of science with others.” This event was prepared and presentation by Sewanee’s Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (or, “The H Club”). Those in search for more information about the club and its events should con-tact Nate Chapman (C’15) at chapmns0@sewanee.edu.