Alchemy show for medieval fair
May 8, 2024 6:42 AM Subscribe
I recently attended two medieval fairs here in Germany with my 6 year old daughter and got thinking about what other fun shows or performances one could add. As I am working at a lab (life science, not chemistry) I naturally thought about playing an Alchemist. I guess an alchemy show would rely mostly on the same tricks that are done in chemistry/STEM shows, just with an old timey touch. Have you seen something done like this? Or have an idea which tricks or experiments would be a good fit? I found a discussion on a LARP forum with some nice ideas, like playing with gallium, using the stuff from a sparkler for a little fire effect, or the suddenly expanding worm reaction. Dry ice for nice smoke effect and blubbering. I would aim this at entertaining kids.
The iodine clock reaction always looks surprisingly cool. There's also a lot of slight-of-hand with glasses of liquid that could be mixed in, which isn't exactly chemistry but could be used in combination.
on preview: Darn it, The Pluto Gangsta!
posted by AzraelBrown at 6:59 AM on May 8 [2 favorites]
on preview: Darn it, The Pluto Gangsta!
posted by AzraelBrown at 6:59 AM on May 8 [2 favorites]
Maybe some inspiration: https://themacgyverproject.blogspot.com/2015/04/6-good-knight-macgyver.html
On a more practical note, my understanding of the etymology of electric is that it comes from early 17th c. experiments with static electricity that were basically "rub this wool on that amber and see what happens." At a Renfaire maybe that means "moving straw without touching it" or "shocking the kids who are making the most noise"?
posted by adekllny at 7:18 AM on May 8
On a more practical note, my understanding of the etymology of electric is that it comes from early 17th c. experiments with static electricity that were basically "rub this wool on that amber and see what happens." At a Renfaire maybe that means "moving straw without touching it" or "shocking the kids who are making the most noise"?
posted by adekllny at 7:18 AM on May 8
large glass carafe, mix up the typical vinegar+baking soda, then "pour" out the generated CO2 to extinguish some candles all the while it looks like nothing is being poured out!
posted by alchemist at 7:56 AM on May 8 [2 favorites]
posted by alchemist at 7:56 AM on May 8 [2 favorites]
I don't know whether you care that much about historical accuracy, but dry ice was apparently first produced/observed in 1835.
posted by heatherlogan at 8:49 PM on May 8
posted by heatherlogan at 8:49 PM on May 8
I’m not trying to harp on my suggestion, but YouTube must have noticed my earlier link and then suggested me this. Just imagine doing that iodine clock at your presentation!
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 9:11 PM on May 8
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 9:11 PM on May 8
YouTube just keeps giving me recommendations -- Briggs-Rauscher oscillating reaction
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 5:23 AM on May 14
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 5:23 AM on May 14
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posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 6:56 AM on May 8 [2 favorites]