How do fireworks work? With STEM! Let’s take a look at the chemistry behind fireworks. And while we’re at it, let’s look at the history of fireworks, too.
FAILED STEM SCIENCE PROJECT!
As you can see above, I attempted a STEM science experiment in honor of July 4th! I attempted to create a black snake. When baking soda and powdered sugar react with heat, they create carbon dioxide and a cool black snake. At least the experiment smells like burned marshmallows!
I used kerosine and it gets, uh, hot! I decided against posting the ingredients after I ended up with a huge scorch mark on our deck. This is not an ideal STEM science project for kids. Heck, it’s not a good project unless you want to anger your significant other w/ deck damage. You can purchase a safer STEM version! Here’s what the experiment should look like when under control.
HOW DO FIREWORKS WORK?
So how do fireworks work, exactly? Fireworks are chemical reactions! Let’s look at the STEM behind fireworks.
For fireworks to work, they require three key components: an oxidizer, a fuel, and a chemical mixture to produce the color. The oxidizer breaks the chemical bonds in the fuel, releasing all the potential energy that’s stored in those bonds. To ignite this chemical reaction, all you need is a bit of fire, in the form of a fuse or a direct flame.
Spending the summer with her mother’s old friend, twelve-year-old Miranda tries to uncover the mysteries behind her mother’s past and to understand why her mother seems so distant. But will she be brave enough to face the truth she might uncover?
