For over thirty years, the Faraday Lecture has been a live event presented by prominent educators and scientists throughout the nation. Though the lecture is now virtual, it's astonishing demonstrations in chemistry and physics have both amazed and encouraged the middle and high school students to whom it is focused.

Come join us for a deep dive into a sea of electrons as we ride some electromagnetic waves on our journey to discover light and its interaction with matter. An illuminating experience ranging from chemiluminescence and fluorescence to flame tests and fireworks, studying the nature of light is sure to provide something for everyone…so sit back, relax (to ground state), and enjoy “Lights, Camera, Science!”

View List of Demonstrations and Topics Covered

Ray Euler graduated with a BS in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh in 2015 and taught General, Organic, and Nursing chemistry labs at the University of Pittsburgh as an instructor since 2015, and is currently their Chemical Demonstrator.

Although the Faraday Lecture is intended for middle and high school students and teachers, the Lecture can be viewed by anyone.

Once registered, a link to the lecture/demo will be emailed to you. The video will be available on-demand until June 30, 2022.

(Registration is now closed)

The namesake for the Faraday Lecture is Michael Faraday. Michael Faraday was a British scientist who lived in the early to mid-1800’s. Although he had little formal education Mr. Faraday was one of the most influential scientists in history. Even today he is recognized as a top scientist.

As a physicist he discovered the principles of electromagnetic induction and diamagnetism, and the laws of electrolysis. As a chemist he discovered benzene and an early form of the Bunsen burner as well as several other accomplishments.

During the time of Faraday there was very little organized education for young people. In 1825 Faraday started Christmas lectures at the Royal Institution of Great Britain. Faraday and other prominent people gave lectures on different scientific topics. These lectures continue to this day.

The Faraday Lecture is sponsored by the Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP) and the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP). Funding for the Faraday Lecture comes from Pittcon, a yearly conference and exposition serving the broad field of laboratory science.

The SACP/SSP is dedicated to furthering science education in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland.

Visit ChemistryOutreach.org for more information and to view other educational programs, teacher and student awards, and a wide variety of grant programs.

Once registered, a link to the lecture/demo will be emailed to you.