The basic chemistry of life processes and the wonders of giant telescopes will be discussed in January during two separate presentations at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
The CU Wizards show "Biochemistry for Kids" will take place Saturday, Jan. 17, at 9:30 a.m. in Cristol Chemistry and Biochemistry, room 140. Then at 2 p.m. in Duane Physics, room G1B30, the CU-Boulder physics department will present "Telescopes, Spy Satellites and Video Astronomy" as part of its Saturday Physics Series. Both shows are free and open to the public.
CU Wizards is aimed at students in grades five through nine, while the Saturday Physics Series targets high school students, teachers and adults.
During the CU Wizards show, CU-Boulder Associate Professor Deborah Wuttke will explain how basic principles of chemistry are employed in biological systems like the human body. Audience members will get to take part in experiments showing the chemistry of respiration and how a banana can be used to hammer a nail.
During Senior Instructor Michael Dubson's show "Telescopes, Spy Satellites and Video Astronomy," he will use live demonstrations and video clips to explore the operation of eyeballs, cameras and telescopes. He also will talk about the history of spy satellites and efforts by astronomers to overcome the blurring of telescope images caused by the Earth's turbulent atmosphere. There will be several audience-participation activities and everyone will get to look through a telescope.
For more information about CU Wizards call (303) 492-6952 or visit . For more information about the Saturday Physics Series call (303) 492-4318.