Fire up some interest in sparklers. Pupils learn how the combustion of metals with oxygen forms the basis of sparklers. The informative video in the ACS Reactions series explains how the ingredients mix together to form a combustible paste.

Concepts

fireworks, chemical reactions

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Have the class create a picture book explaining the concept to younger learners

Classroom Considerations

• Be cognizant about any local and state laws that may exist regarding sparklers
• Note that the video was uploaded in June and states that the Fourth of July is near; this may not be the case when viewing the video
  

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Slow motion clip helps viewers see what happens to sparklers as they are lit
• Descriptions are concise yet comprehensive

Cons

• None