Chemistry of Fireworks

The colorful and impressive fireworks displays seen during New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, and other events pack a lot of chemistry into those “Ooooo! Aah!” moments. Learn more about the history, construction, shapes, and colors of fireworks.
- Underwater Fireworks
Fireworks have to be up in the air, right? Think again! Try these cool flashes of light—underwater. - What Do We Know About Fireworks?
Nothing ready for the sub? Don’t explode! Check out this emergency lesson plan instead. - What Is in a Firework?
Make your classroom pop and sparkle as students investigate two types of fireworks. - Sizzling Science
Outdoors in the dark is your new laboratory. What colors will you see? - Fireworks in a Bottle
These liquid “fireworks” give you the splash of color without the fire. Create your own in the kitchen.
- History of Fireworks
Whom do we have to thank for discovering fireworks? What did they use them for? - Shaving Cream Fireworks Prints
Have you used shaving cream paper marbling when you discuss hydrophobic/hydrophilic materials? Try these firework-like patterns. - Alka-Seltzer Fireworks
Use a fizzing reaction to create explosive art. - How To Make Black Snakes or Glow Worms
Glow little glowworm, glow. Make your own fireworks with ingredients around the house. - Design Your Own Fireworks Show
Put together a team to create a 3-minute simulated show. Can you make it spectacular (yet safe) and still come in under budget?
- Compound Interest—Firework Infographics
Get the scoop on colors, sound, metallic sparkle, explosions, plus the dark side of fireworks with these infographics. - What's in Fireworks?
What makes those splashes of color in the sky? How have they changed through history? - Meet the Mad Scientists Who Created Edible Fireworks
These two modern day Willy Wonkas helped over a quarter million people get the sensation of tasting and smelling fireworks. - Pyrotechnics for the Planet
“What goes up must come down.” How can we make fireworks safer for the environment? - With a Bang: The Science of Fireworks
Poppers, firecrackers, ground spinners—what gives these common fireworks their kick?
- Learn About... Fireworks!
Chemistry can be a blast as you get the scoop on which compounds give you which color, how to stay safe, and more. - How Fireworks Work
Check out what goes into a firework, long before you see its explosive glow in the sky. - Kaboom!
Fire up your learning as you dissect the anatomy of a firework and its chemistry. - I Didn't Know That: Fireworks
Get up close and personal with the inner workings of a firework as you go behind the scenes at a fireworks company.
(all sites accessed November 2017)