13th ANNUAL CHEMISTRY SHOW
CALGARY MARKET MALL
OCTOBER 16, 2004

During the National Science and Technology/National Chemistry Week, the Chemistry Department of the University of Calgary organized the Chemistry Show, on October 16, 2004, in the Calgary Market Mall. The Show is a tradition in the Department and in the community and represents a special entry in our calendars. The motto of this, lucky 13th annual Show was, “Fun Chemistry”.

The purpose was to present chemical science as a part of everyday life to the general public of all ages. The event attracted 120 enthusiastic volunteers, mainly undergraduate and graduate students as well as staff and faculty members from the Chemistry Department. They generously donated their time to bring to life 18 educational displays, which consisted of eye-catching demonstrations, interesting hands-on activities and exciting competitions. The estimated number of visitors was 3000. This year, the following institutions joined the principal organizer with their displays: Calgary Section of the Chemical Institute of Canada, Association of Professional Engineers Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta, Calgary Science Hotline and Association of Chemical Profession of Alberta. The turnout of both volunteers and visitors was beyond any expectations.

The show has always been a magnet for the general public, who participated in various activities. Quite a number of graduate and undergraduate students, who enjoyed the Show so much in the past, joined the event again this year. Only one week after the call for volunteers was announced, all positions were taken. Unfortunately about 30 respondents, had no luck to get a position this time. The majority of this year’s volunteers expressed their interest to participate again in the years to come. Many of them were disappointed to find out that the Show takes place only once a year. Numerous calls and messages were received before the Show from those people who wanted to make sure not to miss it. During and after the Show, science and chemistry teachers from junior high and high schools contacted us complimenting the Show and asking for procedures or ideas for some demonstrations suitable for their teaching program or science projects. Some teachers expressed interest to bring their students to the Department for a tour and some demonstrations or invited Department representatives to visit their classes and perform a set of demonstrations there.

The event was widely publicized throughout the city – at the University (On Campus newspaper and Department of Chemistry Newsletter), in schools (Calgary Science Network web site), on TV (A-Channel) and Market Mall web site etc. During the Show following TV channels made a reportage: SAIT, CFCN (CTV), SHAW and Channel-A. Newspapers Gauntlet (U of C) and Calgary Journal (MRC) published interviews with the coordinator of the Show the and On Campus published a photo spot.