Physics and chemistry shows performed by Beaker Ben — licensed physics teacher, six years at the Adler Planetarium. NGSS-aligned. Serving Chicago and its northern and western suburbs.
How the shows are built
Ben plans a show the way he plans a lesson: each demonstration raises the question the next one answers, so students leave able to explain what they saw. School shows run 45–55 minutes, with student volunteers throughout.
Shows for schools
Full descriptions, runtimes, and ages are in the Shows catalog. The names below link straight to each show.
For full-gym assemblies (any size)
- All About Air — we set the air on fire, freeze it solid, and pour a piece of the sky from a cup. Ages 3–14.
- Surviving the Moon — designing a lunar habitat against vacuum, radiation, and cold that shatters materials in seconds. Ages 8–14.
- Chasing the Spark — 2,500 years of electricity and magnetism, ending with a ceramic disk levitating over a magnetic track. Ages 8–14.
The History of Science series
Chasing the Spark → The Fall → Blinded by the Light (Fall 2026). Three shows over the course of the year for upper elementary and middle school; together they follow the history of discovery from electricity to gravity to light.
For a single class or smaller assembly
Besides the above offerings, these shows are geared specifically at smaller audience sizes.
- Sweet Science — candy as materials science: cotton candy spun live, rock candy, Pop Rocks. Ages 3–12, up to 30 kids.
- Unseen Forces — air, static electricity, and a gong-ringing finish for your youngest scientists. Ages 3–10.
Pricing
- Single Presentation: $560
- Half-Day (up to 3 presentations): $1,100
- Full Day (up to 5 presentations): $1,600
- Multi-site or multi-day contracts save up to 20% off the per-show rate.
Good to know
- NGSS-aligned. Upon request, we’ll send an alignment sheet listing the standards a show covers for your grade band.
- Space: a stage or gym floor, minimum 8′ × 12′. We bring all equipment and our own power.
- Fully Insured. Certificate of Insurance on request; we can add your school, district, or venue as an additional insured for the day.
Book a show
Tell us your date and grade levels; we’ll confirm availability within one business day.
Call or text: (224) 377-9741