University of Colorado at Boulder Assistant Professor Deborah Wuttke will perform several experiments and set off a minor explosion during her CU Wizards show "Biochemistry for Kids."
The free hourlong show will be on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 9:30 a.m. in Cristol Chemistry room 140. CU Wizards is an annual series that introduces topics in astronomy, chemistry and physics and is intended primarily for students in grades five through nine.
During the show Wuttke, who teaches in the chemistry and biochemistry department, will explain how basic principles of chemistry are employed in biological systems like the human body. In one experiment the audience will get to see how starches are turned to sugar in the body, which then uses the sugar to generate the energy needed for life.
The audience also will get to take part in experiments showing the chemistry of respiration and how a banana can be used to hammer a nail. They will learn about how proteins are made and folded up in the body. And they will come away from the show with a better understanding of how chemistry works in their bodies.
Free parking for the Feb. 24 show is available in lot 169 northeast of Folsom Stadium off Folsom Street, lot 396 off Stadium Drive, lot 436 east of the Engineering Center and lot 308 south of Regent Drive and west of Kittredge Loop Road. Certain parking spots are reserved for permit holders at all times and vehicles parked in these spots without permits will be towed.
Parking also 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 .