Blue Man Group Performance Inspires Chemistry Students
On a chilly December afternoon, 500 undergraduate students enrolled in Professor Bradley Pentelute’s Principles of Chemical Science class experienced an extraordinary outing: a performance of “Blue Man Group” at Boston’s Charles Playhouse. This unique excursion wasn’t just for entertainment; it served as a practical application of chemical principles discussed in class, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.
Bridging Theory and Practice
Inspired by the show’s use of specialized paints and materials, Professor Pentelute saw an opportunity to bring chemistry to life for his students. With the support of the MIT Office of the First Year, he arranged for the excursion, aiming to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. The visit enriched the students’ understanding of how chemistry intersects with creative expression.
Immersive Performance
“Blue Man Group” is a captivating, multi-sensory performance featuring three enigmatic “Blue Men” who communicate through art, music, comedy, and non-verbal gestures. The audience is drawn into their world of innocence and wonder as they interact with everyday objects in unexpected ways. A highlight of the show is the “Poncho Zone,” where audience members are covered in liquid paint as the Blue Men play drums.
Exclusive Audience
The Charles Playhouse, with a capacity of 500 seats, hosted an audience composed entirely of MIT undergraduate students. This exclusive opportunity allowed the students to fully immerse themselves in the performance, creating a sense of unity and camaraderie. Any remaining tickets were offered to first-generation first-year students, ensuring that as many students as possible could benefit from this unique experience.
Practical Applications
The performance provided a vivid illustration of the practical applications of general chemistry concepts. Catherine Hazard, a teaching assistant for the course, noted the direct correlation between the brightly colored oil paints used in the show and the chemical structures and crystal field theory concepts covered in class. Students gained insights into how energy splitting of d orbitals influences the color of inorganic transition metal complexes. They also learned about the role of chemicals such as waxes, resins, polymers, and stabilizers in giving oil paint its unique consistency.
Enriching Undergraduate Education
The Office of the First Year at MIT is committed to providing programs and services that catalyze student exploration, access to opportunities, and academic success. Experiences like the “Blue Man Group” performance serve to enrich and support undergraduate education, fostering a sense of community and personal development among students.
Conclusion
The “Blue Man Group” performance was a resounding success, offering MIT students a memorable and educational experience that went beyond the classroom. It demonstrated the power of practical applications in bringing chemical principles to life, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject. The collaboration between Professor Pentelute and the Office of the First Year showcases MIT’s commitment to providing innovative and engaging learning opportunities for its undergraduate students.