How to Make a Glowstick

Glowsticks adorn the necks of children and adults at sporting events and other celebrations. People also use them to wave as a show of spirit at a ballgame. Glowsticks can be held or wrapped around as jewelry. You can buy them, but the following steps will demonstrate how to make your own.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 2 liters of distilled water
• 50 milliliters of hydrogen peroxide
• .2 grams of luminol
• 4 grams of sodium carbonate
• .5 gram of ammonium carbonate
• .4 gram of copper sulfate pentahydrate
• Protective eyewear

1. Buy the necessary supplies. Luminol is the stuff that makes blood glow and can be found at a scientific store, on the Internet or in a kid's spy kit. Sodium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, and copper sulfate pentahydrate are white powders and can be found at a science store. Check out the Resources for a link to available stores.
2. Combine hydrogen peroxide and 1 liter of water. Use a large mixing bowl. Do not use a metal bowl. Choose a ceramic bowl like a bread making bowl.
3. Mix luminol, sodium carbonate, copper sulfate, ammonium carbonate and a liter of water in a second bowl. Use an equally large nonmetal bowl to eliminate spillage when mixing.
4. Find several sealable clear containers, plastic test tubes or small plastic shampoo bottles. Clean the containers and dry thoroughly. Place the containers on the counter on top of newspaper for spillage. Set the correct lid next to the containers for a quick seal when the ingredients are mixed.
5. Pour equal amounts of the solution in Step 1 with equal amounts of solution from Step 2 in each container and close the bottles. Watch as the chemical compound creates a colorful glow.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear protective eyewear when dealing with chemical substances.

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