BYU chemistry magic display is a popular event organized by the Brigham Young University Department of Chemistry. The event showcases various chemical demonstrations that appear like magic tricks. The purpose of the display is to engage students and the community in the fascinating world of chemistry and to demonstrate the practical applications of chemical principles. The chemistry magic display features a series of visually stimulating experiments that captivate the audience. Through these demonstrations, the organizers aim to generate interest and excitement in chemistry, making it more accessible and appealing to people of all ages. The show typically includes experiments such as colorful flame reactions, electrically conductive liquids, and the creation of ice instantly.

Salem witch trials

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• Bill of Rights Institute - The Salem Witch Trials
• World History Encyclopedia - Salem Witch Trials
• Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University - Salem Witch Trials
• The National Endowment for the Humanities - The Salem Witch Trials According to the Historical Records
• Ancient Origins - Salem Witch Trial hysteria and the courageous stance of Giles Corey
• Famous Trials - Salem Witchcraft Trials

• Salem Witch Trials - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
• Salem witch trials - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• Bill of Rights Institute - The Salem Witch Trials
• World History Encyclopedia - Salem Witch Trials
• Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University - Salem Witch Trials
• The National Endowment for the Humanities - The Salem Witch Trials According to the Historical Records
• Ancient Origins - Salem Witch Trial hysteria and the courageous stance of Giles Corey
• Famous Trials - Salem Witchcraft Trials

• Salem Witch Trials - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
• Salem witch trials - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Jeff Wallenfeldt, manager of Geography and History, has worked as an editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica since 1992.

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

In the late 1600s the Salem Village community in the Massachusetts Bay Colony (now Danvers, Massachusetts) was fairly small and undergoing a period of turmoil with little political guidance. There was a social divide between the leading families as well as a split between factions that were for and against the village’s new pastor, Samuel Parris. After some young girls of the village (two of them relatives of Parris) started demonstrating strange behaviours and fits, they were urged to identify the person who had bewitched them. Their initial accusations gave way to trials, hysteria, and a frenzy that resulted in further accusations, often between the differing factions.

By the end of the Salem witch trials, 19 people had been hanged and 5 others had died in custody. Additionally, a man was pressed beneath heavy stones until he died.

After weeks of informal hearings, Sir William Phips, governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, interceded to add some formality to the proceedings. Over the following year many trials were held and many people imprisoned. As the trials continued, accusations extended beyond Salem Village to surrounding communities. After Governor Phips’s wife was accused, he again interceded and ordered that a new court be established that would not allow so-called spectral evidence. By May 1693 everyone in custody under conviction or suspicion of witchcraft had been pardoned by Phips.

The haphazard fashion in which the Salem witch trials were conducted contributed to changes in U.S. court procedures, including rights to legal representation and cross-examination of accusers as well as the presumption that one is innocent until proven guilty. The Salem trials also went on to become a powerful metaphor for the anticommunist hearings led by U.S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare of the 1950s, famously in the form of Arthur Miller’s allegorical play The Crucible (1953).

Salem witch trials, (June 1692–May 1693), in American history, a series of investigations and persecutions that caused 19 convicted “witches” to be hanged and many other suspects to be imprisoned in Salem Village in the Massachusetts Bay Colony (now Danvers, Massachusetts).

The show typically includes experiments such as colorful flame reactions, electrically conductive liquids, and the creation of ice instantly. The chemistry magic display not only entertains the audience but also educates them about the underlying chemical reactions and principles. The demonstrations are carefully designed to highlight specific concepts like acid-base reactions, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics.

Witch hunts

The events in Salem in 1692 were but one chapter in a long story of witch hunts that began in Europe between 1300 and 1330 and ended in the late 18th century (with the last known execution for witchcraft taking place in Switzerland in 1782). The Salem trials occurred late in the sequence, after the abatement of the European witch-hunt fervour, which peaked from the 1580s and ’90s to the 1630s and ’40s. Some three-fourths of those European witch hunts took place in western Germany, the Low Countries, France, northern Italy, and Switzerland. The number of trials and executions varied according to time and place, but it is generally believed that some 110,000 persons in total were tried for witchcraft and between 40,000 to 60,000 were executed.

The “hunts” were efforts to identify witches rather than pursuits of individuals who were already thought to be witches. Witches were considered to be followers of Satan who had traded their souls for his assistance. It was believed that they employed demons to accomplish magical deeds, that they changed from human to animal form or from one human form to another, that animals acted as their “familiar spirits,” and that they rode through the air at night to secret meetings and orgies. There is little doubt that some individuals did worship the devil and attempt to practice sorcery with harmful intent. However, no one ever embodied the concept of a “witch” as previously described.

The process of identifying witches began with suspicions or rumours. Accusations followed, often escalating to convictions and executions. The Salem witch trials and executions came about as the result of a combination of church politics, family feuds, and hysterical children, all of which unfolded in a vacuum of political authority.

This interactive approach allows the audience to actively participate in the learning experience, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of chemistry. One of the main advantages of the BYU chemistry magic display is its ability to dispel common misconceptions about chemistry. By presenting chemical reactions in a magical and awe-inspiring manner, the event breaks the stereotype of chemistry being a dull and difficult subject. It showcases the fun and intriguing aspects of chemistry, encouraging more students to pursue STEM fields and fostering a positive attitude towards science. In addition to its educational value, the chemistry magic display also serves as a platform for students and faculty members to demonstrate their expertise and passion for chemistry. The performers, who are often advanced chemistry students or professors, meticulously prepare for the show, ensuring that the experiments are both safe and visually stunning. Their enthusiasm and knowledge contribute to the overall success of the event, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Overall, the BYU chemistry magic display is a highly anticipated event that brings chemistry to life through captivating demonstrations. It effectively combines entertainment and education to create a memorable experience for everyone involved. By showcasing the magic of chemistry, the event instills a sense of wonder and curiosity in its audience, inspiring an interest in the field and promoting scientific literacy..

Reviews for "BYU Chemistry Magic Show: A Night of Spellbinding Demonstrations"

1. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with the chemistry magic display at BYU. The experiments were confusing and poorly explained, leaving me feeling lost and unengaged. Additionally, the presenter seemed disinterested and rushed through the demonstrations without providing any real context or educational value. Overall, I would not recommend attending this event if you're looking for an entertaining and educational chemistry show.

2. John - 2/5 stars - While I appreciate the effort put into the chemistry magic display at BYU, I found it to be lacking in several areas. The presentation felt disorganized, with experiments being rushed through without proper explanation or a clear connection to the real world. The chemistry concepts that were presented were also quite basic, and as someone with a background in chemistry, I was hoping for more advanced topics to be covered. Overall, I left the show feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.

3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I attended the chemistry magic display at BYU with high hopes, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The experiments were not as impressive or mind-blowing as I had anticipated, and the presenter lacked enthusiasm and charisma. I also found the show to be quite short, with only a handful of demonstrations being performed. Overall, I was left feeling like I had wasted my time and would not recommend attending this event.

From Fireballs to Floating Objects: BYU's Mind-Blowing Chemistry Magic