Illinois Valley Community College’s Chem Club and professor Matthew Johll will present “SciFest” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 11 in the gym.

“Dr. Johll will once again trust science over common sense as he has a cement block smashed off his chest while lying on a bed of nails. But the real question is … can he use the power of the atmosphere to crush a 55-gallon barrel?,” promotional material for the event states.

Guests will also learn how to make homemade lava lamps, turn play-dough into electric circuits, turn juice drinks into spheres and watch a guitar force flames to dance. The event is free and open to the public. For information, call Johll at (815) 224-0468 or email [email protected].