Bubbles in Rhiannon Warren's (14) hands burst into flames at the Chemistry for Christchurch show at the St David St lecture theatre. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
The "magic show" was so popular four other rooms had to be opened up for people to watch remotely via video link.
Senior teaching fellow David McMorran said about 700 turned up to the show, which featured exploding balloons, hands on fire and liquid nitrogen fountains, all to the delighted gasps of the children in the audience.
It was organised by the chemistry department's PhD students as their way of helping those affected by the Christchurch earthquake, he said.
Gold coin donations at the door raised $1850, with money also raised from a barbecue.
