Bassam Shakhashiri, professor of chemistry at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, will present an evening of magical chemical demonstrations on the Cornell University campus April 7.

Shakhashiri's presentation, "Science Is Fun," will be given at 7:30 p.m. in 200 Baker Laboratory. The public, and particularly children of all ages, are welcome to attend. The demonstration is free, but tickets, limited to two per person, are required. They can be obtained in person or by mail from Ithaca Sciencenter, 601 First Street, Ithaca, or from the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, 122 Baker Laboratory, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 14853-1301. Mailed requests should be marked "Science Is Fun Demonstration," and accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The event is presented by the Cornell Section of the American Chemical Society, the Cornell Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, the Cornell Center for Materials Research, and Ithaca Sciencenter.

Shakhashiri is best known for his annual PBS television program "Once Upon a Christmas Cheery in the Lab of Shakhashiri." He also has presented his show at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., and the Museum of Science in Boston.

He is well known academically for his development and use of demonstrations in the teaching of chemistry in lecture rooms and laboratories, as well as in less formal settings such as convention centers and shopping malls. He has given about 1,000 lectures and presentations in the United States and abroad and has co-authored several publications. One of his pioneering efforts is an interactive chemistry exhibit on permanent display since 1983 at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.