The Amazing Chemical Circus

The Amazing Chemical Circus was Fusion Science Theater’s first attempt at combining the theatrical forms of a stage play, demonstration show, and creative dramatics.  It is performed by two actors (the Ringmaster and Squirt) and three teacher/demonstrators who present inquiry-based lessons as the “acts” of a circus.  Each act is designed to teach one concept through an Investigation Question, a series of related demonstrations, an Act-It-Out, and Q&A between the teachers, circus characters and children in the audience. The topics taught in the acts are emission spectra (“How to colors come out of atoms?), polymers (What is a polymer?), and combustion (What makes the loudest Boom?).   Assessment consists of a questionnaire and concept question about polymers and combustion reactions that are distributed before and after the show.

Run time: 60 minutes