Chemistry of Fireworks

by Gina Kuntscher and Natalie Pickering

Introduction Anchor Video Concept Map Project Calendar Lesson Plans Letter to Parents Assessments Resources Modifications Grant

Web Resources: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/kaboom/elemental/ In this Internet activity, students will discover which elements produce the colors you see in fireworks by clicking on an interactive periodic table. Students also begin to learn about metals that do more for fireworks than provide colors (i.e. binding agents or oxidizing agent). Students also will be reviewing the basic structure and groups of the periodic table as they explore this site. http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/teachers/lessons/supernova/supernova_chemistry.html This site includes a great lesson from NASA dealing with spectroscopy. It discusses what students will do in the experiment as well as topics teachers can cover. The materials suggested to use in this lesson are from Science Kit, which is a leading supplier of science materials and equipment to science teachers throughout the U.S. Ordering information is available via their website. http://scidiv.bcc.ctc.edu/wv/spect/emission-flame-exp.html This website was created by a professor and it is extremely informational yet interesting. Students can use it to refresh on ideas learned in lecture, as well as carry out the many simulations (flame test and spectroscopy) it provides. This website also has links to other great websites that students may be asked to visit on future days. http://www.colorado.edu/physics/2000/elements_as_atoms/index.html Go to this address, click on the next button at the bottom of the page and David's Whizzy Periodic Table should pop up! Students can actually see electrons of various elements moving around in their orbitals (s,p,d.f) from a nucleus or shell view! Students can see the emission spectra of any element they want. In addition, there is factual information about when the element was discovered and how much it costs to purchase a certain amount of this element. This cite is absolutely incredible and one should definitely use it when teaching about electron configurations. http://www.glencoe.com/sec/science/webquest/content/fireworks.shtml At this site there are various reliable links to interactive webpages. There are sites where students can learn about the history of fireworks as well learn how professionals create the colors that appear during the vibrant displays of fireworks. Students will be able to see what chemicals create the colors of fireworks. There are also sites that show a diagram of the parts of a modern firework. Each part of the diagram has an active label. Click on each label to learn more about that part of the firework. There also exists a site to learn more about the chemical reactions in fireworks. Students can find out what two types of binders are used in fireworks today. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/fireworks/ This is a NOVA site this will be of great use to students while doing researching on their own. Students will concepts such as the anatomy of a firework, the different type of shells, and even do a simulation of oxidation reactions. There is also a transcript of an interview conducted with the director of the American Pyrotechnics Association that students may find interesting. Print Materials List: (Per one class period of 25-30 students) Handout detailing Project expectations, guidelines, deadlines, rubric, etc. (30+) Student Lab and Lecture Notebooks (30) Flame Test Lab Handout (30) Emission Spectra Lecture Notes (1 for teacher) Empty Outline for Emission Spectrum (30) Spectroscopy Lab Handout (30) Lecture Notes On Electron Configuration (1 for teacher) Practice Problems/Principles on Electron Config. (30) Quiz over Coloring Agent of Fireworks (30) Quiz over Chemistry of the Parts of a Firework Handout of History Assignment History Rubric Handout of Chemistry Behind the Composition of a Firework Chemistry Behind the Composition of a Firework Rubric Project Rubric- Students are aware how they will be graded Supplies: (Per one class period of 25-30 students) Anchor Video Computers (at least 15) Flame Test Labware: 30 Safety goggles 30 Protective apron 7 Wire flame-loop 7 Bunsen Burner 15 Small beakers 6.0M hydrochloric acid distilled water Barium Nitrate Potassium Nitrate Calcium Nitrate Lithium Nitrate Copper Nitrate Strontium Nitrate Sodium Nitrate Slide Show of “Sky at Many Wavelengths” Spectroscopy Labware: Safety goggles 10 spectroscopes (Science Kit 45492 or 16525) 5 spectrum tubes (Science Kit 62999-01 -62999-55) (one of these should be mercury) 1 incandescent light bulb 1 "plant grow" light bulb 1 Compact Fluorescent light fixture 4 Chemical Light Sticks (each lasts four hours) 1 Standard Fluorescent light tube 5 Spectrum tube power supplies (Science Kit 62999 26) 10 Packages of colored pencils History and Parts of Fire Works Lesson: Video Reel of Commercials Computers- one per student (25-30) Posters (15 sets) Markers (15 sets) Colored Pencils (15 sets) Software: (per computer) · Inspiration · Timeliner · MovieWorks · Microsoft Office · Power Point