The scientific concepts of light, polarization and optics will be explained through a number of experiments, including creating a giant soap bubble and watching a group of parents posing as molecules during the Dec. 30 CU Wizards show "Liquid Crystals."
University of Colorado at Boulder physics faculty members Noel Clark and Joseph Maclennan and chemistry Professor David Walba will present the show at 9:30 a.m. in Duane Physics room G1B30.
The free hour-long show, which combines physics, chemistry and engineering, is intended primarily for students in grades five through nine. CU Wizards is an annual series that introduces topics in astronomy, chemistry and physics.
The wizards will demonstrate the optical and electrical properties of liquid crystals and show how they are used in today聮s high-tech society to display information in items like laptop computers and digital watches. Liquid crystals are a goolike organic material made of rod-shaped molecules that are sensitive to the polarization of light, Professor Clark said.
During the show, students will have a chance to see liquid crystals in action with demonstrations of a 20-foot-high bubble and parents taking on the role of liquid crystal molecules. They also will learn what it means to polarize light waves and how solid materials can change the polarization of light, while getting a quick lesson about colors.
Free parking for the Dec. 30 show is available in lot 436 east of the Engineering Center, lot 308 south of Regent Drive and west of Kittredge Loop Road, lot 169 northeast of Folsom Stadium off Folsom Street and lot 396 off Stadium Drive. Certain parking spaces are reserved for permit holders at all times and vehicles parked in these spots without permits will be towed.
Closer parking is available in the Euclid Avenue Autopark for a nominal fee.
Anyone with a disability or special need should notify the physics office at (303) 492-6952 a few days prior to the show. For information about CU Wizards call (303) 492-4318, or visit the Web site at .