Chemistry Demonstrations In Public
Leonard A. Ford
Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Natural Sciences, Volume 9, Number 1, pages 77-80

This post is part of a series highlighting selected articles from the Journal of Minnesota Academy of Science archives in honor of the Minnesota Academy of Science’s 150th Anniversary. Read more about
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In Leonard A. Ford’s 1941 Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science (JMAS) article, he writes that “no subject can be made to create so much interest or entertainment for a large group as chemistry because no subject lends itself so well to visual demonstration.” Dr. Ford offers numerous tips and tricks about sharing science experiments with public groups, gleaned from his extensive personal experience.

Some of his advice?:

• “To successfully carry out a series of experiments before the public the performer must be certain that the demonstration will actually work… embarrassment can be avoided by repeating each experiment several times before attempting a public performance.”

• “Comments on the chemical significance of the reactions will likely appeal to the audience more than a stereotyped lecture.”

• “Never should one attempt to set up the apparatus after the demonstration has begun. Everything must be in readiness… nothing is more disconcerting to the observer than to watch someone hunt for a ·test tube which should have been in its place.”

• “An extinguisher should be accessible to safeguard against the danger of fire when flames are involved in the experiments.”

Leonard A. Ford was an influential chemistry professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato. According to the school’s website, he was the chairman of Division of Science and Math and taught from 1939 until his sudden death in 1967. He also was an advocate for the addition of nursing and dental programs, and was integral to the establishment of the Minnesota State Science Fair in 1950.

Dr. Ford’s 1941 JMAS article, which includes several ideas for spectacular chemistry demonstrations, can be seen as a precursor to his popular 1959 book, Chemical Magic. A 1960 book review published in the Journal of Chemistry Education maintained that “this book can be used very effectively by the high school teacher and I recommend it to them.”

A 1993 reissue of the book notes that Dr. Ford performed many public "chemical magic" shows and that in response to requests, “he compiled a volume of over 100 novel demonstrations from those shows. The book soon became one of the most widely used manuals in the field. Its tricks, mystifying and often spectacular, were designed not only to amuse and entertain an audience but to stimulate an interest in scientific principles.” The reissue includes an introduction by Professor E. Winston Grundmeier describing the book as “a collection of experiments and demonstrations magical and mystifying in nature.”

Dr. Ford’s influence can still be felt on the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus. The University sponsors the annual Leonard A. Ford Lectureship, currently in its 33rd year. His name also graces a recent 67,000 square foot addition to the University’s Trafton Science Center.

References

Lester Kieft, ‘Chemical Magic’ Book Review, Journal of Chemical Education 1960 37 (12), 660

‘Setting standards: Leonard A. Ford Hall at Minnesota State University,’ American School and University, July 1, 2009. www.asumag.com/planning-design/facility-planning/article/20850562/setting-standards-leonard-a-ford-hall-at-minnesota-state-university