Bring chemistry to life with the spectacular science of fireworks!

This FREE teaching resource is designed to introduce students to the fascinating chemistry behind fireworks through an engaging starter activity, an educational science video, and two printable worksheets with answer keys.

Students will discover why ordinary flames are yellow while fireworks explode into brilliant red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and purple colours. They will explore the role of metal salts, electron excitation, energy levels, light emission, and the fascinating history of fireworks from ancient China to modern pyrotechnics.

Perfect for a starter lesson, bell work, homework, independent learning, substitute lessons, or a complete classroom activity.

What’s Included?

Free educational video: The Science of Fireworks – Why Fireworks Have Different Colours

Starter discussion activity

Worksheet 1 (10 questions) – Fireworks Basics + Ans Key

Multiple-choice questions
Short-answer questions
Answer key included

Worksheet 2 (10 questions) – Chemistry of Firework Colours + Ans Key

Metal-to-colour matching
Multiple-choice questions
Short-answer questions
Answer key included
Curriculum Links

Atomic Structure

Electronic Structure

Excitation of Electrons

Emission Spectra

Energy Levels

Flame ÌÇÐÄVlogts

Light and Colour

Chemical Reactions

Oxidation