The Science of Fireworks

Today in Hands-On Science, students explored the stunning science behind fireworks! As part of a month-long theme on light and plasma, STEM Director Mr. Edward performed several demonstrations, including burning magnesium to yield a bright white light (wearing glasses, of course!) and blowtorching various metal salts such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, and copper sulfate to demonstrate the colorful effects of adding trace amounts of metal salts to a flame.