College of Arts and Sciences
Events for Manhattan and K-State Community members.
Art exhibition by the K-State Family
All day, Chapman Gallery , Willard Hall
View new and recent work by art, design and art history faculty. Chapman Gallery is on the first floor of Willard Hall.
Arts and Science of the April 8, 2024, Solar Eclipse
10:30-11:30 a.m., 102 Cardwell Hall
An integrated lecture will be presented by faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences describing the science of a solar eclipse — including the one that will be visible in Northeast Kansas two days after Open House — and the impacts of eclipses on human culture throughout history.
Band hall open house and tours
All day, Tracz Family Band Hall, World War I Memorial Stadium
Walk through the recently renovated space which features a rehearsal hall, instrument and uniform storage, instrument repair room, changing room and office space. The hall is the home of the K-State Marching Band and Classy Cats. The improvements were funded through private donations.
Biochemistry for everyone
All day, Chalmers Hall
Colorful biochemical experiments and demonstrations. Come and watch plants glow in the dark, isolate DNA from strawberries, and find out why different vegetables have different colors.
Build your own eclipse viewer
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 224 Cardwell Hall
Participants will be able to build and take away a scientific instrument to view the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse that will be visible in Northeast Kansas.
Check out the critters
11 a.m.-1 p.m., 114 Ackert Hall
Want to learn about mammals, birds, fish and plants? Current students will share their experiences and demonstrations from our fisheries, wildlife, conservation and environmental biology program. Join us in celebrating the diversity of life by interacting with skulls, furs, and flora and fauna from our courses.
Chemistry magic show
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 4 King Hall
Students from the chemistry fraternity will put on a chemistry demonstration with colorful reactions and thrills galore!
Cyanotype demonstration
11 a.m.-2 p.m., 204 Willard Hall (if weather permits, on the Quad)
The K-State photography area will host a cyanotype demonstration, suitable for ages 5 and up. Cyanotypes are made with UV sunlight and chemistry and are exposed outside using large negatives. Visitors can take home dried works.
Dance for a cure
9 a.m.-noon, Nichols Hall
Come move your body with students from K-State’s Dance Program in support of Mid-America Chapter of the ALS Association. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Future Leaders
All day, Gen. Richard B. Myers Hall
K-State Army ROTC will provide hands-on insight into the program. Applicants will be able to talk with current cadets and try on equipment.
Hands-on physics
9 a.m.-3 p.m., Cardwell Hall, first floor lobby
Scientists of all ages can experience the laws of physics through hands-on demonstrations. Sparks may fly. Bananas may shatter.
Instrument petting zoo
2 p.m.-3 p.m., McCain lobby
Visit the K-State School of Music, Theatre, and Dance and participate in our instrument petting zoo. See, hear and hold musical instruments in an informal setting hosted by K-State music faculty and students.
Light Your Torches: Glassblowing demonstration by Jim Hodgson
10:30-11:20 a.m., 4 King Hall
The chemistry department invites you to a glassblowing demonstration to see how molten glass is shaped for scientific research.
Make your own stress ball
Noon-1 p.m., 112 Leasure Hall
Decorate and make your own stress ball to help with self-care while meeting social work faculty.
Math and physics sculpture build
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Cardwell Hall
The math and physics clubs invite you to try your hand at making some interesting shapes with interesting properties related to symmetry. Fun for all ages.
Painting demonstration
11 a.m.-2 p.m., 222 Willard Hall
The painting area will engage visitors with demonstrations and a variety of painting materials and media. Visitor participation is encouraged.
Social work BINGO
11 a.m.-noon, 112 Leasure Hall
Come play a fun game of BINGO with social work faculty to learn more about social work jobs and skills. There’s a chance to win small prizes.
Take a tour of the human body
11 a.m.-1 p.m., 230 Ackert Hall
Join us in exploring human anatomy and physiology. Current K-State biology students will share their experiences from taking the Human Body classes. Check out a human skeleton and cool models of organs. Come appreciate the beauty of the body.
The Demo Show: Nature’s Rules of the Universe in Action
12:30-1:30p.m., 103 Cardwell Hall
The legendary Chris Sorensen, emeritus university distinguished professor of Physics, will perform some of the most spectacular physics demonstrations the department has to offer.
Theatre expo
All day, Nichols Hall
Theatre demonstrations, workshops and presentations for all age ranges.
Tour of a microbiology lab
11 a.m.-1 p.m., 123 Ackert Hall
Join us in exploring the microbiology lab. Current K-State biology students will have demonstrations with microscopes and share their experiences in their microbiology labs. Come appreciate the little things (microorganisms) in life.
Visit the Wildcat 91.9 radio station
9 a.m.-noon, third floor, McCain Auditorium
Visit the third floor of McCain Auditorium to explore studios and equipment used by the students of the 2023 Best College Radio Station in the Nation, Wildcat 91.9.
Woodcut T-shirt printing
9 a.m.-1 p.m., 320 Willard Hall
The Prairie Fire Printmaking Student Club is hosting a woodcut T-shirt printing activity for the public in Willard Hall. Participants select a hand-carved.