Published: March 8, 2006

Screaming water, rising cakes and cooking without heat are some of the topics to be explored during the CU Wizards show "Chemistry in the Kitchen!" on Saturday, March 18, at 9:30 a.m. in the Cristol Chemistry building, room 140.

University of Colorado at Boulder chemistry and biochemistry Professor David Nesbitt will present the free hour-long show that will explore the science lurking in the refrigerator and on the kitchen stove.

Among other topics, Nesbitt will show why water makes such funny screaming sounds just before it boils, why cakes rise when you cook them and why bananas smell like bananas. He also will demonstrate how to "cook" a scrambled egg without any heat and how to make ice cream without a freezer. The principle that makes Old Faithful, the famous Yellowstone National Park geyser, erupt will be explained.

CU Wizards is usually held the third or fourth Saturday of each month during the academic year and focuses on astronomy, chemistry and physics. Though intended primarily for students in grades five through nine, the shows are educational and entertaining to people of all ages.

Anyone with a disability or special need should notify the CU-Boulder physics department office at (303) 492-6952 a few days prior to the show. For information about CU Wizards call (303) 492-5011 or visit .