4th of July Chemistry - Independence Day & Firework Chemistry

Grow borax crystals around a star shape to produce a crystal star that may be used as an ornament or decoration.

Have you ever wanted to make your own fireworks? These are instructions for fireworks projects so you can make your own homemade fireworks.

Are you seeking fun science projects that you can associate with the 4th of July? Try this collection of science projects that involve fireworks and red, white, and blue.

Smoke bombs are easy and fun to make and light. There are several types of smoke bombs you can make, plus you can use the smoke bomb recipe as a starting point for other types of pyrotechnic devices. Try these recipes for making your own smoke bombs.

Firecrackers, sparklers, and aerial fireworks are all examples of fireworks. Here's a look at the different types of fireworks and an explanation of how they work.

Fireworks are a traditional part of most Independence Day and New Year's celebrations. Learn about the invention of fireworks and the history behind how fireworks are used.

Fireworks combine art and science. This article focuses on the chemistry behind firework colors, including the mechanisms of color production and a table listing colorants. There are links to websites about fireworks - some with instructions for making your own!

Take a look at some fireworks, sparklers, firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Learn about the functions of the chemical elements in fireworks.

Kick the traditional smoke bomb recipe up a notch to make a firework fountain that shoots purple flames with lots of smoke. This is a fun and easy homemade firework project.

Here are some tips to help you light your fireworks safely.

The composition of black powder or gunpowder is not set. In fact, several different compositions have been used throughout history. Here's a look at some of the most notable or common compositions, plus the composition of modern black powder.

You can make black snake or glow worm fireworks yourself, safely and easily.

Colored smoke is easy to make and requires few ingredients. Here's a list of some colored smoke formulations to try.

Learn about the insect repellent called DEET. See its chemical structure, find out how it works, get information about the risks of using DEET, and find out how to reduce your need for bug spray.

Firecrackers are extremely easy and inexpensive to make yourself. Learn how to make homemade firecrackers and how to light them safely.

Use this special periodic table to find out what elements are found in fireworks and how they are used. Just click on an element to learn more.

Fireworks are a beautiful and fun part of many celebrations, but not something you want kids to make themselves. However, even very young explorers can experiment with these safe underwater fireworks.

Find out how lightsticks or glowsticks work. Learn about the chemistry behind the process and get on-line purchase information. This article also explains how to make glow sticks last longer or become brighter!

This type of firework produces a cascade of fiery sparks. Learn about the chemistry behind the sparks or find formulae to make your own!

Pop Its are those paper-covered rocks that you step on or throw against a hard surface, causing them to explode or pop. You usually see them sold with fireworks around the 4th of July and other holidays. Have you ever wondered how they work?

Black powder is used as a propellant for bullets, as well as for fireworks and rocketry. Use these instructions for history, not practical application!

This article lists some of the fluorophors that are used to give light sticks different colors. The oxalate chemiluminescent reactions are introduced.

A match rocket is an extremely simple rocket to construct and launch. The match rocket illustrates many rocketry principles, including basic jet propulsion and Newton's laws of motion. Match rockets fly several meters, in a burst of heat and flame.

Looking for a natural alternative to synthetic chemical mosquito repellents? Find out which natural substances repel mosquitoes, how to avoid attracting them, and how to maximize the effectiveness of your repellent.

This is a fun chemistry-type decoration for July 4th or any time you want a colorful demonstration of density layers. Use different colored lamp oils and food colors for other holidays.

Here's a recipe for a density column that's a layered cocktail. It's perfect for the 4th of July or Memorial Day or pretty much any holiday with a red, white and blue theme.

A classic smoke bomb is easy to make and safe to use, but you can make the project even safer if you don't heat the ingredients. Here's what you do.

You can easily make a smoke bomb using inexpensive materials to produce safe smoke.

Smoke bombs are the easiest and safest do-it-yourself firework project. You only need two inexpensive, non-toxic ingredients and it only takes minutes to make. Watch and learn how you can cook up a smoke bomb at home.

Learn how to make your own sparklers, for Independence Day or New Years Day fun. Use your understanding of chemistry to color the sparks.

Produce the colors of the Olympic rings in this easy chemistry color change demonstration.

How much do you know about how fireworks work and how they are colored? Here's a ten question quiz you can take to test your knowledge of fireworks science.

A waterfall firework produces a long-lasting shower of glittering sparks, like a fiery waterfall. Here are instructions for making a waterfall firework yourself.