Special Effects
Chemistry is everywhere, even in the movies. Look behind the scenes with the resources below to see how science rather than “magic” produces spectacular effects.
Richard Rickett
- Celebrating Chemistry: Behind the Scenes with Chemistry (English)
Celebrating Chemistry: Behind the Scenes with Chemistry (Spanish)
It’s glass. Or is it? Make it, shatter it, and decide for yourself, plus other activities. - Visual Effects: Seeing Is Believing
Watch scenes, then analyze their special effects.
- Movie Special Effects
Jump to the Chapter Challenge. Whip up a script for a single scene, then decide how to connect your chemistry.
- Movies and Magic
Make your own tractor beam, consider hoverboards, and more. - NOVA Online: Special Effects Activities
Frost that seems to last forever? Bloody spatters that aren’t actually blood? Try the science for yourself.
- Timeline of Special Effects Achievements
Travel through time and see how special effects have changed over the years. - Shakespearean Special Effects
How did theaters awe their audiences with special effects hundreds of years ago? - Special Effects Technology
Movie makeup artists. The changing lenses of 3-D glasses. A recycled scream. Learn the how and why. - Smoke and Fog
Get it straight from people who use the effects to create their vision, with this article from a publication for cinematographers. - Science Behind Hollywood’s Spooky Special Effects
Movie effects can do double duty—put them to work for Halloween.
- Special Effects Artist
Combine chemistry with many other areas to make a career out of effects and illusions. - Movie Magician
The work of these special effects masters appears magical, but has its roots in science. - How Smoke Machines Work
Want to add a misty haze to your scene? You’ve got options. - Insultingly Stupid Movie Physics
Scientists take a stand against inaccurate science in the movies.
- Five Things You Didn’t Know About Movie Pyrotechnics
These special effects are a blast! - 10 Films Every Special Effects Makeup Artist Should See
From classics to prosthetics to straight-up gore, these movies showcase an artist’s art. - The Tin Man’s Toxic Metal Makeup
A chemical choice made a Wizard of Oz actor dangerously sick. - 5 Most Explosive Moments in 'Breaking Bad,' Explained
Sample science highlights from a book that examines Walter White’s fictional work.
(all sites accessed September 2021)
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