How to Make a Sparkler Flare

A sparkler is a wire with a pyrotechnic mixture of chemicals molded onto it. It's formed by setting a long wire in a narrow tube and then pouring in the chemicals, which have been mixed with water. When the chemicals dry out, they are bound to the wire. Oxidizers are added to sparklers so that they burn slowly in a shower of sparks, as opposed to a firecracker, which is meant to explode all at once.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sparklers
• Soft drink can
• Tin snips
• Matches or a lighter
• Disposal drink cup

1. Strip all the sparkler fuel from the wires of 10 to 15 sparklers. Collect it in a disposable drink cup. Dispose of the wires.

2. Use the tin snips and cut an empty soft drink can in half. Discard the top half of the can. Turn the bottom half upside down to drain any residual liquid and then wipe the inside dry.

3. Put the sparkler fuel into the bottom half of the soda can. Use the tin snips to cut the bottom wire off another sparkler.

4. Set the shortened sparkler in the center of the can so that the sparkler fuel on the wire has contact with the loose bits. Crumple the top of the can closed to hold the sparkler upright and in place.

5. Place the sparkler flare in a location away from combustible materials or anything that could be damaged by heat or flames. Light the upright sparkler and step at least 10 feet away from it.

6. Give the sparkler time to burn down to ignite the loose sparkler fuel. Watch the fireworks.

7. Give the burned can time to cool before touching it. Discard the cooled can and the remaining sparkler wire.

Tips & Warnings

• Sparklers are sometimes called "snowballs" for the round white ball of burning sparks that forms as the sparkler burns.
• Do not approach the can to check on it after the sparkler is lit. If the flare does not ignite, let the sparkler burn out then wait 15 to 20 minutes before approaching the can.