Northern Illinois University

Chemistry & Biochemistry

Chemistry Magic Show

The NIU Chem Club

The NIU Chemistry Club is open to anyone with an interest in Chemistry. The purpose of this organization is to promote interest in chemistry and the chemical professions, to aid understanding of the field of chemistry, and to provide interaction among individuals engaged in the study of chemistry.

In 2008, the NIU Chem Club celebrates its 60th anniversary as a recognized student affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society. Primarily an academic group in its earlier years, the Chem Club has broadened its perspective and now combines its academic pursuits with social activities, networking, and "moral support."

The Chem Club sponsors several outreach events each year, including the Chem Demos, a public favorite. The club organizes and presents an evening of chemistry demonstrations twice a year, offering a different theme each semester. For many years, the Chem Club has also sponsored an annual glassblowing demonstration and sale featuring the work of our departmental glassblower, a huge fundraiser for the club!

Please find information below about past and future Chem Club events.



Chem Club 2009–2010 Events


blood dropBLOOD DRIVE

Phi Sigma Biology Honors Society, the Pre Professional Association and the Chemistry Club will host a blood drive

Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location:  Holmes Student Center Capital Room

To schedule a time to donate, contact Kate Krise, President of Phi Sigma, at (815) 821-5688 or by e-mail at katekrise@yahoo.com, to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins also are welcome.

 

2009 CHEM DEMOS: Chemistry - It's Elemental!

Celebrate the elements with NIU Chemistry during National Chemistry Week

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location:  Faraday Hall 143

Everyone is welcome!  Come see spectacular chemistry experiments that all can enjoy.


Chem Club 2008–2009 Events


2009 AWARDS BANQUET

Chemistry Club 2009 Awards Banquet (photos)

Daniel Renfus, Edwards-Hyland AwardOn Thursday, April 30, the NIU Chem Club hosted an awards banquet, recognizing students who have received departmental scholarships and awards throughout the year.

Congratulations to all award recipients and upcoming graduates!

 

CHEM BLAST '09

NIU Chemistry demonstrations promise to be a blast

On Thursday, March 19, a crowd joined NIU's Chem Club for Chem Blast '09. "Demonstrations in the past have involved small explosions," says Prof. David Ballantine, faculty adviser of the Chem Club. “So, we’ve decided to take on the new title of Chem Blast for our spring event.”

“Every semester we try to out-do the previous semester's excitement," says Harrison Kuras, a junior chemistry education major. “Whether it be Thermite and contact explosives or chemical slime and expanding foam, there's always a demo here that turns heads.”

 

2008 CHEM DEMOS: Having a Ball with Chemistry

Have a ball with NIU Chemistry during National Chemistry Week

Flashy Bubbles DemonstrationOn Wednesday, October 22, in celebration of National Chemistry Week, the NIU Chem Club presented a fun-filled evening of chemistry demonstrations. While the demonstrations ranged from making flashy bubbles to making ice cream with liquid nitrogen, kids of all ages had a ball!

 

CHEM CLUB FALL PICNIC

The Chem Club Fall Picnic was held on Friday, September 19, to kick-off the 2008-2009 year!

      



Chem Club 2007–2008 Events


2008 AWARDS BANQUET

Chemistry Club 2008 Awards Banquet (photos)

Erin Post, Edwards-Hyland AwardOn Thursday, May 8, the NIU Chem Club hosted an awards banquet, recognizing students who have received departmental scholarships and awards throughout the year.

Congratulations to all award recipients and upcoming graduates!

 

CHEMISTRY MAGIC SHOW

NIU Chemistry Club creates magic for youth of DeKalb County

Genie in a BottleOh, oh it's magic! On Wednesday, March 19, in an auditorium packed with kids of all ages, the NIU Chem Club performed its magic. Professors David Ballantine and Paul Kelter assisted the Chem Club, adding their own tricks to the mix. A few favorites included elephant toothpaste, dueling rockets, and genie in a bottle.

Raffle Prize WinnerAnd, those who will be benefiting most from this night of chemistry magic, are the youth of DeKalb County. The proceeds of a successful 50/50 raffle and all donations collected will help support the Youth Service Bureau, a non-for-profit agency dedicated to improving the lives of DeKalb County youth.

 

GLASSBLOWING DEMONSTRATION & GLASS SALE

NIU Chem Club honors departmental glassblower

Glassblower Dan EdwardsOn Tuesday, Nov. 27, Faraday West 200 was packed with over 130 people and standing room only, as chemistry department glassblower Dan Edwards sculpted a snowman, bonzai tree, and hummingbird during his last demonstration. After 17 years at NIU, Edwards will retire in the coming year.

Photo of audienceA glass sale was held after the demonstration, where items made by Edwards were available for purchase. The proceeds, which totaled over $1800, will help support various activities held by the NIU Chem Club. Congrats to Dan Edwards and the NIU Chem Club. And, thanks to the NIU and local communities for their tremendous support.

 

2007 CHEM DEMOS: The Many Faces of Chemistry

NIU marks National Chemistry Week with evening of demonstrations

Chem DemonstrationCelebrating National Chemistry Week, the NIU Chem Club prepped and pulled off yet another successful chem demo on Tuesday, October 23 (mole day)! With an estimate of between 125-150 people in attendance, the event was a "blast."


Chemistry Club Officers
for 2008-2009:

President
Kasey Klaisner

Vice President
Erin Post

Treasurer
Dharti Joshi


Incoming Chem Club Officers for 2009-2010:

President
Shena Stanley

Vice President
Bryn Wilke

Treasurer
Ryan Saidat


Faculty Adviser

David S. Ballantine
Faraday West 424
(815) 753-6857
dballant@niu.edu