DeSales University Chemistry Demonstration

The DeSales faculty, staff and students who participate in the Chemistry Demonstrations Program seek to instill in elementary, middle, and high school students a love of science and to enrich their understanding of chemistry. The demonstrations are a treat for all the senses and include over a dozen highly visual and entertaining experiments such as Fire Tornado, Mad Scientists, Bed of Nails, Ethanol Cannons, and ice cream. The colorful and explosive presentations are designed to be visually interesting and exciting, as well as illustrative of important but easily understood chemical concepts.

The Chemistry Demonstrations Program is directed by Dr. Rodger Berg, associate professor, coordinator of chemistry, chairperson of the natural science department, and head of the healthcare and natural sciences division. He is assisted by natural science department faculty, including assistant professors Dr. Sara Hayik, Dr. Julie Himmelberger, and Dr. Steven Sweeney; associate professor Dr. Francis Mayville and Mrs. Patricia Hartman, chemistry laboratory manager.

Each year, the Natural Science Department entertains approximately 1,000 students from area middle and high schools who attend performances during the school day.