The show comes courtesy of world-renowned University of Cambridge chemistry teaching fellow, Dr Peter Wothers.
As well as promising to be a visually spectacular event with plenty of ‘flashes and bangs’, the show will explore the chemistry behind the production of light; from basic oil lamps to the elements used today in products such as smart phones.
There will also be demonstrations on how chemical light can help forensic scientists investigate crime scenes.
Three of these family-friendly shows are planned for Victoria University’s Kelburn campus, with an additional Wellington show to be held for secondary school students as part of Victoria University’s science outreach programme.
Two shows will also take place in Palmerston North.
Victoria University senior chemistry teaching fellow Dr Suzanne Boniface says it’s a real privilege for New Zealand audiences, especially students, to have the opportunity to see Dr Wothers.
“Peter is well known internationally for his exciting demonstration lectures and for promoting science to young students and members of the public,” says Dr Boniface.
“He has a real passion for chemistry and is a brilliant teacher, so this a great opportunity to engage young people with the wonders and opportunities in science, and chemistry in particular.
“The fact that Dr Wothers received an MBE for Services to Chemistry last year makes his visit all the more special.”
Dr Wothers’ trip to New Zealand is made possible by the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry, in partnership with Victoria University of Wellington, the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, the Royal Society of New Zealand, Massey University, and the Royal Society of Chemistry in the United Kingdom.
Chemistry of Light Show – event details:
WELLINGTON | 7pm Friday 3 July, and 2pm and 7pm Saturday 4 July
Maclaurin Lecture Theatre 103, Kelburn Parade, Victoria University (follow directions from Gate 4)
PALMERSTON NORTH | 6pm Thursday 9 July and 6pm Friday 10 July
Marsden Lecture Theatre, Level 1 Science Tower B, Massey University Campus
General Admission $10, Students/U-18s $5, Family ticket (2xadult, 2xchild) $25
Book tickets from www.royalsociety.org.nz/chemistry