Flames, foam, slime, bright colors and top hats are all in order for the annual Faraday Lectures hosted by Weber State University’s Department of Chemistry. The event will take place Dec. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Tracy Hall Science Center. It is free and open to the public.

Faraday Lectures pay homage to Michael Faraday, a renowned English scientist known for his contributions to electromagnetism and electrochemistry. Faraday hosted Christmas Lectures at The Royal Institution in London from 1825 to 1861. WSU has continued the holiday tradition to entertain and educate.

Children of all ages will be able to participate in the open house event with hands-on experiments throughout Tracy Hall. “Activities will be based on simple colors and different color-type reactions with different textures, soap and bubbles,” said Brandon Burnett, chemistry assistant professor. “Most of the demonstrations will be pretty informal. People can come and go as they like.”

University President Charles A. Wight will don a top hat and coattails while he lectures on the chemical history of the candle as Faraday might have done. He will offer a 20-minute presentation at 6 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. in Tracy Hall Room 102. This lecture is well-suited for older children and adults.

In addition to the presentations by Wight and the chemistry department, chemistry clubs from WSU and area high schools will offer demonstrations throughout the evening.  Northridge and Weber high schools will be hosting interactive experiments in various locations in Tracy Hall.

Room locations and schedule:

  • Chemical history of a candle: Room 102, 6 and 7 p.m.
  • Carnival-like demonstrations: Atrium, continuously
  • Kid-friendly activities: Room 375, continuously
  • Instrumentation room tour: Room, 242 continuously
  • Northridge High School Chemistry Club: Room 366, continuously
  • Weber High School Chemistry Club: Room 370, continuously

For more information on the Faraday Lectures visit weber.edu/chemistry/faraday.html.