Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide Grades 9th – 12th www.celebratesafely.org CELEBRATE SAFELY CURRICULUM Bibliography

• Tenney L. Davis, The Chemistry of Powder & , (1943) • John A. Conkling, Chemistry of Pyrotechnics, Basis Principles and Theory, (1985) • Jack Kelly, , (2004)

• Robert Temple, The Genius of , 3000 Years of Science, Discovery & Invention, (2007) • Megan Rocker, How it Happens at the Factory, (2004)

• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-education-centers/fireworks/

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) www.atf.gov/explosives/fireworks

Other online resources • www.history.com/news/fireworks-vibrant-history • science.howstuffworks.com/innovations/everyday-innovations/fireworks.htm

• www.americanpyro.com

–12th Fireworks Safety th Next Generation Science HS-­‐PS1-­‐1 Matter and Its Interactions Student’s Guide StandardsStandards: Grades 9 Students who demonstrate understanding can use the periodic table as a th th http://www.nextgenscience.org model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns Grades 9 – 12 of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms. HS-­‐PS1-­‐5 Matter and Its Interactions Students who demonstrate understanding can apply scientific principles and evidence to provide explanation an about the effects of changing the temperature or concentration of the reacting particles on the rate at which a reaction occurs.

Common Core State Standards S-­‐IC Making Inferences Justifying and Conclusions for Mathematics Table of Contents Make inferences and justify conclusions from sample surveys, experiments, http://www.corestandards.org/ and observational studies Math LESSON 1 Common Core State Standards Reading Standards for Informational Text 6–12 The History of Fireworks 4 for English Language Arts & Key Ideas and Details Literacy in History/Social LESSON 2 (1) Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what Studies, Science, and Technical The Safe Use of Fireworks 6 Subjects the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. http://www.corestandards.org/ Writing Standards 6–12 LESSON 3 ELA-­‐Literacy Text Types and Purposes Illegal and Homemade Fireworks 9 (3) Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using LESSON 4 effective technique, -­‐ well chosen details, and -­‐ well structured event sequences. The Science of Fireworks 12

Speaking and Listening Standards 6–12 LESSON 5 Comprehension and Collaboration The Engineering of Fireworks: (2) Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or How Fireworks are Put Together 16 formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source. Language Standards – 6 12 Vocabulary Acquisition and Use (4) Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown -­‐ and multiple meaning words and phrases based on grades 9–10 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

American Pyrotechnics Association's Safety and Education Foundation Fireworks Safety Curriculum, Grades 9th–12th Standards: Grades 9th–12th

3

Lesson 1

The History of Fireworks

Celebrate Safely! American Pyrotechnics Association's Safety and Education Foundation Essential Standard Fireworks Safety Curriculum, Grades 9th–12th

Explain the history of fireworks and how - Huo Yao—Chinese term for “Fire Drug” or works are used to celebrate holidays and gunpowder. events worldwide. Multicultural—relating to or including many http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/sher/standards/index.htm different cultures. The Standards: Centers for Disease Centers for Control Disease and Prevention, Control Division and of Prevention Adolescent and School Health developed Saltpeter ()—a white powder these health education standards -­‐ grades Pre K through twelve. that exists naturally in some soils and that is Learning Targets used especially as a fertilizer, in medicine, and Standard 1. The student will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to make gunpowder. You will be able to: to enhance health. —a yellow chemical element that has • discuss the history and development of Sulfur a strong, unpleasant odor when it is burned Standard . 2 The student will analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and fireworks in China; and that is used in making paper, gunpowder, other factors on health behavior. • discuss the ingredients and their properties medicine, and other products. that make up the crude version of gunpowder; Standard 3. The student will demonstrate the ability to access valid information and products • explain why hollow shoots when How Are Fireworks Used? services to enhance health. ignited produced a popping noise; • explain how Chinese made bombs, fountains, The Chinese used fireworks to celebrate the Standard . 4 The student will demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to and rockets; and most important events in life—a birth, a wedding, enhance health and avoid or reduce health risks. a death, holidays, and coronations. • list the different occasions that Americans Standard 5. The student will demonstrate the ability to use decision-­‐making skills to enhance health. use fireworks to celebrate. The use of fireworks spread to Europe eventually first to celebrate military victories and later in Standard 6. The student will demonstrate the ability to use goal-­‐setting skills to enhance health. Essential Vocabulary public celebrations and religious ceremonies. Alchemy—a medieval chemical science that Legend has it that Captain John Smith set Standard 7. The student will demonstrate the ability to practice -­‐ health enhancing behaviors to avoid or tried to change less valuable metals into gold, off the first fireworks display in the American reduce health risks. discover a single cure for all diseases, and colonies in Jamestown, Virginia in 1608. He and discover how to live forever. other settlers used the fireworks to celebrate Standard 8. The student will demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family, and consumer special events. health. Black Powder— the powder used in Fireworks were used in the very first Fourth of fireworks. It is made up of potassium nitrate, Preventing childhood injuries and health part problems is a of Standard 2 and Standard 7. sulfur, and charcoal. This material can be used July celebration in 1776. as a propellant charge, to produce sound, Americans use fireworks year-round to celebrate It is hope that schools will use this curriculum as part of the injury prevention and safety standards to compositions, or in the ignition fuse or timing national holidays, sporting events, and other prevent injury and deaths from the unsafe or illegal use of fireworks. system of fireworks. Also known as gunpowder. multicultural events, but the “big day” is still the Elixir—a substance held to be capable of Fourth of July. extending life.

American Pyrotechnics Association's Safety and Education Foundation Fireworks Safety Curriculum, Grades 9th–12th

p. 4 Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide | Grades 9th – 12th Standards: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Many historians believe that fireworks originally If you like fireworks, were developed in the second century B.C. in ancient , China. thank the Chinese! The first “firecrackers” were bamboo stalks that when thrown in a fire, would explode with a bang because of the overheating of the hollow air pockets in the bamboo. The Chinese believed these natural “firecrackers” would ward off evil spirits. According to legend, a Chinese alchemist mixed three ingredients, saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal Other countries have at least one big “fireworks to produce a black, flaky powder. day” like we do. In Germany, for example, it is The Chinese named this black powder “huo New Year’s Eve, in France it is Bastille Day, and in England it is Guy Fawkes Day. yao” which means “fire chemical.” We call it a crude version of gunpowder. Assignments The Chinese then filled paper tubes with gunpowder and inserted fuses made from Research and describe the properties of each: saltpeter (potassium nitrate), sulfur, and charcoal. tissue paper to make firecrackers. Write a summary describing a celebration that Another version of fireworks that the Chinese does not currently include fireworks that you invented was called “ground rats,” which were believe would be enhanced by the addition of small tubes filled with the fire chemical that fireworks. Be certain to include the: scurried around the floor. • name and importance of the event; and Eventually, the Chinese learned that you can • reasons why fireworks would improve make fireworks react differently depending on the event. how you pack it: • packing the gunpowder into containers with harder shells produced bombs; • packing it into a cylinder with one side open produced sprays or fountains of fire and orange sparks; and • packing the fire chemical in a larger tube, with one end left open, produced hot gas to propel it forward and upward, producing a rocket. These are the same basic properties used today Celebrate Safety Learning Standards to create fireworks you see at big celebrations. th

Grades 9 – 12th

American Pyrotechnics Association's Safety and Education Foundation Fireworks Safety Curriculum, Grades 9th–12th Standards: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide | Grades 9th – 12th p. 5 1 Some fireworks displays are run entirely by Lesson 2 computers. Others need an operator to tell the firing system when to fire the shell. The operator may follow a written plan or receive instructions over a radio. When the operator presses a button The Safe Use of Fireworks on the equipment, it sends an electrical signal through a lat to one of the electric matches. This creates a spark that ignites the shell’s fuse, creates an explosion, and launches the firework into the air. Essential Standard As the shell is launched, another fuse on it has begun burning. This fuse will ignite the break Discuss the safe use of fireworks to avoid powder and stars or inserts, making the shell Display Fireworks (professional) — large explode in the air and creating the familiar colors injury and damage to property. fireworks also known as 1.3G Fireworks and noise of a fireworks display. designed to produce visible or audible effects for entertainment purposes by combustion, deflagration, or detonation. The other type of fireworks are the smaller-in- Dud — any device in which the fuse or igniter fails size consumer fireworks that are sold at stands to ignite the main pyrotechnic charge. and stores for celebrating holidays such as the Learning Targets Fourth of July. Consumer fireworks are regulated Federal Government — a form of government by both the state and federal government, and in You will be able to: in which power is shared between a central some cases, by city and county governments. • locate websites for the U.S. Consumer government and individual states or provinces. Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Local Government — government of counties, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and cities, and towns comprised of locally elected Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Department of political bodies; the administration of the local Transportation (USDOT), and U.S. Customs affairs of a city, town, or other district by its and Border Protection (CBP); inhabitants. Assignments • explain how fireworks are regulated by local, Novelty — a device containing small amounts state, and federal governments; 1. Using sketches and/or pictures, illustrate the difference between of pyrotechnic and/or explosive composition a firecracker, a fountain, and a rocket. • locate information on the internet about the but does not fall under the category of consumer regulation of fireworks in his/her state and city fireworks. Examples are snakes, poppers, • For each of the three fireworks, describe its key characteristics (if regulated by local government); and and snappers. such as noise, sound effect, light, color, smoke effect, speed, and distance; and • describe the safe way to use fireworks. Safety Glasses — eyeglasses worn to protect the eyes during a variety of tasks. They are made • For each key characteristics list all safety behaviors to be observed. with shatter-resistant plastic lenses to protect the Essential Vocabulary 2. Invite a guest who has a career in fireworks to share their eye from flying debris. experience with the class. For example, an individual who: Consumer Fireworks — also known as 1.4G State Government — a structure similar to the Fireworks. Fireworks that are manufactured and • is in the professional display fireworks business may share federal government, except on a much smaller sold to individuals for their personal use and information on creating a fireworks show; or scale. The states also have a power-sharing enjoyment. The definition of legal consumer relationship with their local and municipal • sells consumer fireworks may share information pertaining to fireworks varies from state to state. Examples are governments that’s much the same as the the regulation and safe use of fireworks. fountains, cones, and firecrackers. federal system. 3. Recommended reading for the student: Deflagrate — to burn, especially suddenly State-approved Fireworks — Forty-six of the 50 and violently. • Chemistry of Pyrotechnics, Basis Principles and Theory by U.S. States and the District of Columbia allow John A. Conkling. Detonate — to explode or cause to explode. legal “consumer” fireworks. The definition of consumer fireworks varies from state to state, but • Gunpowder, Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics; The History Discharge Site — the area immediately can include everything from cone fountains to of the Explosive That Changed the World by Jack Kelly. surrounding the fireworks mortars, tubes, and roman candles to multiple tube “cake” devices to cakes used for an outdoor fireworks display. sparklers. Before using fireworks, find out what

p. 6 Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide | Grades 9th – 12th Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide | Grades 9th – 12th p. 19 Kinds of Fireworks DID YOU KNOW? PROFESSIONAL DISPLAY FIREWORKS There are two kinds of fireworks sold in the United States: Even sparklers can reach 1,800° “display fireworks” and “consumer fireworks.” F (982°C). They should only be Professional display fireworks are those spectacular fireworks used outside and with close adult you see at a professional show and are under the supervision supervision. of a trained pyrotechnician. Pyrotechnicians have to have a Sparklers that have bamboo stems stay cooler than state professional license, as well as a permit from the local ones with metal stems. government to set off fireworks. • Always use fireworks outside and away from the A display company not only makes fireworks, but it also puts house, on a hard flat level surface. This surface on fireworks displays. The following describes how a company should be fireproof and free from leaves, grass, sets up a fireworks display as described in How it Happens at is legal in your state by checking the state law or other debris. the Fireworks Factory: summary for your state. • Have a hose and bucket of water nearby when fireworks are being used. What Kinds Of Fireworks Are Legal In Your Community • Light one firework at a time, and do not put the firework into any glass or metal container. Check with your local police or fire departments to learn what kinds of fireworks may be used in • Make sure all people in the area are aware that The first step in setting up a fireworks display Shooting off fireworks is a dangerous job done fireworks are being used. is to plan what the display will look like. The by a crew of specially trained workers. An your community. planner must decide how many and what kinds average 15-minute display can take about 6 Legal fireworks are sold only at state approved • Keep spectators at a safe distance and point the of fireworks to use, when each will be fired, and hours to set up, so the workers have to get there stores or fireworks stands. Legal fireworks fireworks away from people and homes. sometimes how to match the explosions with early. When they arrive at the display site, they will have the manufacturer’s name, directions, music. This can be a complicated task, and is use a detailed plan to arrange the equipment. and warnings. Fireworks can catch a roof on fire if often done on a computer. The shells are launched out of tubes called Illegal or homemade fireworks should never be they land on it. mortars. In this display, the mortars used for the used. Use of illegal or homemade fireworks can • Never hold any consumer firework in your hand main part of the show will be set up on a truck. result in serious injuries or death to the user, or have your body over the firework while you are Others, including those used for the finale (end unintended , and damage to property. lighting it. of show) will be arranged in racks on the ground. • Wear eye protection, such as safety glasses, while Metal rods hammered into the ground hold the How To Use Legal Fireworks Safely you are setting off the fireworks. racks steady during the display. Next the shells • Children should never use fireworks without are unpacked from boxes. Each shell is set on • Light one firework at a time. adult supervision. top of its mortar. • Never pick up a dud or relight a dud. Leave it lying • Make sure children keep sparklers away from Every shell has a set of special wires called an on the ground, wait 15 minutes, and then douse it hair, face, and clothing. electric match attached to its fuse. A worker in a bucket of water. connects the electric match to the firing system. • Sparklers that have bamboo sticks are cooler. • Never pick up used fireworks. There are about 300 shells in this set of racks, which means a lot of wires! They will all be straightened out and placed under the platform Alcohol and Fireworks Do Not Mix Used fireworks can be hot even if they before the show begins. The use of fireworks at holidays and other are not smoldering. celebrations means that some adults may be The electric matches are wired into firing panels • Douse all used fireworks and duds in a bucket of drinking alcoholic beverages. Just like drinking called lats. A cable connects the lats to the water before putting them in the trash. and driving, drinking and fireworks do not mix. equipment that runs the displays. After all the • Have the fire department and emergency wiring is done, the shells are loaded into the Remind the adults in your home to never drink management system telephone number readily mortar tubes. alcohol if they are setting off fireworks. available before beginning to use fireworks. It’s a great idea to have at least one “designated • Have a first aid kit available should anyone get shooter” for the fireworks. Someone who agrees injured by using fireworks. to abstain from any alcohol consumption prior to the fireworks activities.

p. 18 Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide | Grades 9th – 12th Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide | Grades 9th – 12th p. 7 Be Considerate Of Your Neighbors Pets And Animals Do Not Like Sometimes fireworks can sound like a gunshot or Fireworks As Much As You Do explosions. And loud noises may be frightening Pets and other animals have sensitive ears to very young children, the elderly, or persons and could be frightened by the loud explosions with certain disabilities. from fireworks. Selected Readings from How it Happens Inform your neighbors that you will be setting off Keep pets away from fireworks and do not expose fireworks so that they will be prepared before them to the loud noises of a fireworks display. at the Fireworks Factory by Megan Rocker you use fireworks in your neighborhood. Pets can panic at the noises and bright flashes of lights causing them to run out of doors, jump from windows, break tethers, and leap fences. How Are Fireworks Made? down hard on it. This forms the mixture into the Pets should be kept inside so they do not run shape of the holes. Have you ever wondered display fireworks away, get lost, or get injured. are made with multiple explosions, patterns and colors? Here’s how as explained in How it ASSEMBLY Happens at the Fireworks Factory:1 The stars and inserts are placed inside a plastic or cardboard container to make a firework, also STARS AND INSERTS known as a shell. Shells can be many different shapes and sizes. The number and arrangement Imagine you are watching a fireworks display. of stars or inserts inside them can be different, Each fireworks you see is made up of multiple too. This is one way to create the variety you see explosions. These are created by igniting (setting in a fireworks display. on fire) many small pellets made of black powder mixed with chemicals. Different chemicals can Not all inserts are loaded directly into containers. Assignments make the explosions different colors. Tube-shaped inserts are often encased in thick cardboard covers first. The covers sometimes have 1. Sketch a site plan for a consumer fireworks dis- These pellets can be different shapes (like holes drilled in them. These holes can help create play indicating the safe distance measurements balls, cubes, or tubes) depending on the type of sound effects (like humming or whistling) when the between each one of these locations. Include firework. Some pellets are called stars. To make fireworks explode. They can also hold a fuse — a locations for the: round stars, black powder, chemicals, and water cord that is ignited to make the insert explode. are placed in tubs that spin very quickly. This rolls • discharge site within the display area; the mixture into small balls. After being covered, the inserts are arranged in • spectator viewing area; a container. A filling is scooped into the empty space in the container to hold the inserts in • emergency site with necessary place. Next, the worker pours in rice hulls coated emergency items; with black powder. This mixture is called break • vehicle parking and foot traffic; and powder. When it is lit, it will help the shell explode and ignite the inserts. After the break powder is • any secured areas. added, a lid with a fuse is put on. 2. View the infographic available on the U.S. The next step is to strengthen the shell. First, it is Consumer Product Safety Commission website wrapped in string. Then a worker spreads paste at http://onsafety.cpsc.gov/blog/2015/06/26/ on a sheet of paper and wraps it around the cpsc-science-fireworks-injuries-2015/. Locate shell. The worker finishes putting the paper on national fireworks injury data for your age group and sets the shell aside to dry. and design a poster to inform your peers. FUSES Other pellets are called inserts. To make them, a There are many different kinds of fuses. Some mixture of black powder and chemicals is poured are short and others are long. Some burn slowly, into paper tubes or holes on a metal rack. The while others burn very quickly. These things rack is placed in a special machine that presses control how long it will take a shell to explode once the fuse is lit. Sometimes more than one 1 Megan Rocker, How it Happens at the Fireworks Factory, fuse is need to do this. 1st edition.

p. 8 Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide | Grades 9th – 12th Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide | Grades 9th – 12th p. 17 Lesson 5 Lesson 3 THE ENGINEERING OF FIREWORKS: Illegal and Homemade How Fireworks are Fireworks Put Together

Essential Standard Essential Standard Discuss the concept of illegal and homemade fireworks for the purpose of avoiding the unintended consequences of these illegal Explain the two sides of the fireworks indus- Lats — panels connecting electric matches to the try: consumer fireworks and display fire- equipment that runs a fireworks display. explosive devices. works. Electric Firing Unit — a device that provides and controls the electric current used to ignite fireworks during a display. The electrical firing unit normally has switches to control the routing Learning Targets Essential Vocabulary of the electric current to the fireworks, a means Learning Targets of pretesting the electric circuits without firing You will be able to: Consumer Fireworks — are legal fireworks that are manufactured and sold to individuals for their You will be able to: the fireworks and warning or indicator lights or • locate websites for the U.S. Consumer personal use and enjoyment. tones. Electrical firing units may be manually or Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the • discuss the difference between consumer automatically initiated and may be handheld. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive — (technical definition) any material fireworks and professional display fireworks; Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Department of that is capable of undergoing a self-contained and Mortar — a tube from which certain aerial devices are fired into the air. Transportation (USDOT), and U.S. Customs and self-sustained exothermic chemical reaction • develop a plan for a safe, outdoor consumer and Border Protection (CBP); at a rate that is sufficient to produce substantial fireworks event. Mortar Rack — sturdy wooden or metal frames pressures on their surroundings, thus causing • explain the difference between legal, illegal, used to support mortars in an upright position physical damage. Explosives fall into two classes: usually above ground. and homemade fireworks; Essential Vocabulary detonating and deflagrating. • locate examples of illegal fireworks on the Pellet — a usually small rounded, spherical, or Federal Offense — any act that is performed Break (Burst) Charge — the composition in websites of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety cylindrical body. in violation of the U.S. law. Such crimes are an aerial shell that, when ignited by the time Commission (CPSC) and Bureau of Alcohol, prosecuted in federal courts. fuse, ruptures the shell casing, ignites the shell Shell—the main body of a firework. Tobacco, Fireworks & Explosives (ATF); and contents, and disperses the shell contents. Illegal — prohibited by law or contrary to the law. Aerial Shell — a cartridge containing pyrotechnic • explain the indicators that a device may be Fuse — a cord that is lit at one end and burns composition, a burst charge, and a time fuse. The illegal based on information provided by Illegal Fireworks — fireworks that are banned by down to ignite something at the other end. Fuses aerial shell is generally propelled into the air from the ATF. the federal, state, or local government for use on fireworks often use black powder. a mortar by an attached black powder lift charge. by consumers. Some examples include M-80s, A lead fuse or electric match ignites the lift Electric Match — a device consisting of wires M-100s, M-1000s, quarter sticks, silver salutes, charge. Comets and mines are not aerial shells. terminating at a relatively high resistance sparkler bombs, and tennis ball bombs. element surrounded with small quantity of Star — small pellets, made of black powder and Legal — permitted by law or regulations. heat-sensitive . When chemicals, that burn to make a fireworks flame sufficient electric current is passed through the and color. Stars can be many shapes, such as wire, the heat generated ignites the pyrotechnic balls or cubes. composition producing a small burst of flame.

p. 16 Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide | Grades 9th – 12th Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide | Grades 9th – 12th p. 9 All homemade consumer fireworks are illegal. EFFECT ELEMENT People who make consumer fireworks at home are breaking the law. They are not trained to make Sparklers Aluminum fireworks. Many persons making homemade fireworks have been seriously injured, losing eyes, Glitter Effects Antimony arms, legs, and even their lives. Deepens Colors Calcium (not used in consumer fireworks) Leave the manufacturing of all fireworks to the professionals! Temperature Varying Sparks Iron

Glow in the Dark Effects Phosphorous (banned in consumer fireworks) What Are The Names of Some Illegal Consumer Fireworks? Silver Sparks Titanium • M-80s, M-100s, M-1000s, Quarter Sticks, Smoking Effects Zinc (not used in consumer fireworks) Silver Salutes — tubes that are often red or silver in color, with a fuse and no manufacturer’s Crackling Effects Bismuth oxide, copper oxide identification or warning label. These devices contain large amounts of explosive powder, and they can go off as soon as the fuse is lit. • Cherry Bomb — round devices, often red in What Is Inside Aerial Fireworks? color, with a fuse protruding from the sphere. Black Powder — the propellant, which is made of What Are Illegal Consumer • Tennis Ball Bomb — improvised devices potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal. Fireworks? with explosive powder inside a tennis ball Mortar (launching tube) — the outer cylinder with a fuse. Fe Consumer fireworks that do not meet the chamber made of heavy cardboard, rigid plastic Al requirements of the U.S. Consumer Product It is also illegal to alter legal fireworks to make a or metal. Zn Safety Commission are illegal and dangerous. more powerful explosive device by tying them Stars — the pyrotechnic pellets that burn and Ti together or packing them into a container. create the colors and effects. They can be as S small as a pea and as large as a tennis ball in Illegal consumer fireworks usually have How Can You Spot Illegal large, professional fireworks. too much gunpowder and fuses that do Assignments not work properly. Consumer Fireworks? Shell — a hollow sphere made of cardboard 1. Using scientific principles, explain the effect of Consumer fireworks are probably illegal if: hemispheres, pasted paper and packed with changing the concentration of each element in stars and black powder bursting charge. the chemical composition of black powder on the • it resembles a roll of coins with a fuse out the Even if you use them correctly, illegal Bursting charge — this is black powder inside rate at which a reaction occurs. consumer fireworks can cause injuries and top or side; the middle of the shell that ignites the firework 2. Using research gathered from reliable even death. • it consists of a cardboard tube or oddly effects. resources, discuss how the science of fireworks shaped item wrapped in brown paper and is One way to tell if consumer fireworks are legal or may have served as a foundation for other scien- filled with an xplosivee material; Delay Fuse — allows a time delay after “lift-off” illegal is to look for a warning label and the name before the bursting charge opens up the shell tific or technological innovations. of the manufacturer. Legal consumer fireworks • it is red, silver, or brown in color; and lights the fireworks effects. have warning labels. Illegal consumer fireworks usually don’t. Legal consumer fireworks have • it may be one to six inches long and up to an the name of the manufacturer. Illegal consumer inch or more in diameter; and Noises in Fireworks fireworks usually don’t. • it is sold on the street or out of someone’s When the stimulus — like impact or fire — come in Cu vehicle. contact with a firework composition, it triggers P a chemical reaction that produces heat and gas at very high pressures in the firework container, Sb finally causing an explosion that produces a loud bang.

p. 10 Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide | Grades 9th – 12th Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide | Grades 9th – 12th p. 15 ------Keep Always wear Up, Up & Away With Aerial Fireworks How Can You Spot Legal ------spectators safety glasses at a safe Never carry a firework when igniting distance. Consumer Fireworks? Read and in your pocket or fireworks. An aerial firework has several basic component follow the shoot fireworks from CONTENTS OF AN AERIAL SHELL Only buy legal directions on a metal or glass parts: Fireworks are probably legal if: consumer fireworks the labels. container. Always have a sober from a licensed store, adult in charge & stand or tent. They a propelling charge to lift the device or a never give fireworks typically have brightly 1 • it has the name and place of business of the to young children, colored labels with component in the device into the air; even sparklers. the manufacturer’s manufacturer, packer, distributor, or seller; name, directions and warnings. 2 an internal fuse that is lit when the • it shows the name of the country in which it propellant burns and then releases the was manufactured; fireworks effects high in the air; and Celebrate Safely • there are warning labels, prominently located Remember, even legal fireworks can cause injury if they’re not Fuse used properly. Follow these rules to celebrate safely: a bursting charge, which is ignited by on the front of the package, written in Light only one 3 The American Pyrotechnics Safety & Education Foundation is a 501(c) 3 charitable firework at a organization focused on creating fireworks education & safety programs for youth. the internal fuse and causes a device to English; and Only use time and never Shell Leader fireworks approach or re- explode high in the air, producing a noise outdoors away Have a ignite a firework from buildings working that doesn’t light • it has the U.S. Department of Transportation on a flat, level, garden hose the first time. and bright light. When finished, allow hard, fireproof Never place any or bucket of used fireworks to stand surface that designation : “DOT Consumer Fireworks 1.4G.” part of your body water handy. for at least 20 minutes, is free from directly over a Stars or Don’t aim submerge in water, debris. or throw drain, place in a plastic firework device. Effects Aerial Fireworks Consist of Two fireworks at bag & dispose outside another in a covered trash can. Shell Casing Basic Types—Shells And Rockets: Illegal fireworks are not only dangerous, person. • Shells are fired from a launching tube. An if you buy them, you can be arrested, aerial shell rises into the air and bursts a fined and sent to jail. few seconds later, releasing light and color effects. Some shells are designed to produce multiple bursts in the sky. Assignments 3 • Mines are shells that produce a trail of 1. Use the information found at the government Burst websites provided below to create a chart to Powder colored fire as rise into the air. communicate the firework regulations enforced • Multiple-tube devices, known as “cakes,” by each United States agency. include multiple shells that fire one right after 2 the other and produce a barrage of color and • Consumer Product Safety Commission light into the air. http://www.cpsc.gov/ Internal 1 Time Fuse • When rockets are ignited the entire device • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Lifting Charge rises into the air. When the rocket reaches its Firearms, and Explosives (Black Powder) highest point in flight, it bursts. http://www.atf.gov/ • Department of Transportation http://www.dot.gov/ • Customs and Border Protection http://www.cbp.gov/ How Fireworks Make Colors 2. Invite a guest who has been personally involved with an illegal fireworks-related incident to share Fireworks contain various chemicals that when YELLOW Sodium atoms their experience with the class. For instance: heated to high temperatures give off light to get VIOLET Strontium and copper rid of the excess energy. Each chemical produces • an individual who has been injured or has a different color. WHITE Aluminum or titanium metal experienced property damaged as a result of an illegal fireworks accident; RED Strontium compounds ORANGE Calcium salts • a fire fighter, police officer, or medical provider BLUE Copper compounds GOLD Sodium atoms who has provided rescue assistance to victims GREEN Barium compounds Other chemicals are used for special effects. of an illegal fireworks accident; or • a state or federal employee whose job responsibility is to stop the importation or making of illegal fireworks.tion or making of illegal fireworks.

p. 14 Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide | Grades 9th – 12th Fireworks Safety Student’s Guide | Grades 9th – 12th p. 11 What Goes In To Making A FIRECRACKERS Lesson 4 Fireworks Display? A firecracker contains black Fireworks are a type of explosive. powder — a mixture of potas- sium nitrate, sulfur, and The Science of Fireworks Some fireworks, like firecrackers, explode making charcoal — or flash powder a loud noise and quick flash of light. Other (containing an oxidizer with fireworks produce color, light, or smoke effects aluminum powder as a fuel) by rapidly burning, rather than the blast effect that is wrapped tightly in produced by military and blasting explosives. paper. When the fuse is lit, it A lot of science goes into making individual creates a small explosion that fireworks and fireworks displays. Chemistry, produces a flash of light and Essential Standard physics, and engineering all play a role in the an audible “bang.” fireworks displays that delight the spectators. Discuss the science underlying fireworks. Explosive — (technical definition) any material that is capable of undergoing a self-contained There are also elements of art and music used and self-sustained exothermic chemical reaction to produce the spectacular — and perfectly at a rate that is sufficient to produce substantial timed — effects that we see at many Fourth of pressures on their surroundings, thus causing July programs. physical damage. Explosives fall into two classes: Fireworks displays use computers that can detonating and deflagrating. take over the firing of the individual devices to Learning Targets Fireworks — any composition or device for the provide precision that is difficult to achieve by You will be able to: purpose of producing a visible or an audible people lighting the individual fireworks. effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation, • explain the science of fireworks; and that meets the definition of consumer The Science Of Fireworks • distinguish among various categories of fireworks or display fireworks. A firework You have to have the right chemicals to make fireworks; contains black powder, mortar, stars, shell, bursting charge, and a delay fuse. good fireworks. All fireworks need two things to • discuss the key characteristics of various work: a chemical that is oxygen rich (called an categories of fireworks; and Fuel — a material used to produce heat or power oxidizer) mixed with a fuel (something that burns, SPARKLERS by burning. such as sulfur or charcoal). • describe the function of each internal Sparklers contain a fuel, an oxidizer, iron or steel — one used to support the component of a firework. Oxidizing Agent At a specific temperature, well above the boiling powder, and a binder that are mixed together, combustion of a rocket propellant. point of water, the chemicals react to release coated on a wire, and burn for a short period of Essential Vocabulary Propellant — fuel plus oxidizer used to make heat and produce color, light, and sound effects. time giving off very bright and showery light and something (such as a rocket) go forward. beautiful sparks. Aerial — occurring in the air or atmosphere. The chemicals can be mixed together to produce Pyrotechnics — controlled exothermic chemical different effects. For example, smoke is often Aerial Shell — a fireworks device designed to be reactions that are timed to create the effects produced by burning fireworks. When fireworks launched into the air for use in a fireworks display. of heat, gas, sound, dispersion of aerosols, are used indoors, they are manufactured to Chemical Composition — all pyrotechnic and emission of visible electromagnetic radiation, produce a minimum amount of smoke. They are FOUNTAINS called theatrical fireworks. explosive composition contained in a fireworks or a combination of these effects to provide the Fountains are devices that are device. Inert materials (such as clay used for maximum effect from the least volume. placed on the ground, and the plugs or organic matter used for density) are not user lights a fuse to start the Stimulus — something that rouses or stirs to action. considered to be part of chemical composition. fireworks effects. Fountains Chemical Energy — the energy released or produce a shower of color and absorbed in a chemical reaction during the sparks that may rise several decomposition or formation of compounds. feet or more into the air. Some fountains produce a mild “crackling” noise effect, and audible “whistle” effect, and white or color smoke.

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