What causes sparklers to spark and make different colors? Our ninth-grade students put their chemistry knowledge to work and answered this question through a hands-on project!
Students utilized their understanding of core chemistry concepts like moles, chemical reactions, and atomic theory to have success in the project. First, they calculated the amounts of the chemicals they needed, then they carefully measured out the chemicals. Finally, they mixed the chemicals with a corn starch paste to stick the mixture to a small stick. The classes let their sparklers dry over the weekend and ignited them during the next class.
“Hopefully, this was a fun application of the chemistry we have been studying recently,” said Justin Little, Upper School Science Teacher.