Firework Magic
Fireworks night is a rare time when the gulf between children and adults momentarily blurs as both stand, neck craned skyward, captivated and united in their ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ of delight at the unfolding visual spectacle. Watching fi reworks burst onto an ink black sky and transforming into a multitude of patterns, it’s diffi cult not to be impressed and awed by these beautiful man-made creations. Fireworks are a visual feast. Some spread like delicate fi ngers dipped in luminous paint arcing across black paper, others blossom like exotic blooms captured in time lapse. Watching a heart-thumping display I can’t help marvelling at how fi reworks designers pack the charges to create just the right eff ect, or synchronise eruptions to coincide with musical crescendos. Fans of fi reworks, big and small are going to love these fantastic ideas for exploring science and art at home and recreating the visual spectacle of Fireworks night.
Salty fi reworks: I didn’t discover the wonder of painting with salt until planning an Early Years training course this year. If you’ve never tried it the crystals create a wonderfully sparkly eff ect, perfect for fi reworks and some simple store cupboard additions transform these into delightful fi zzing rockets. Mix some food colouring or watercolour paint with salt and bicarbonate of soda and apply in messy splodges to black paper. Using a clean drinking straw, blow the salty water so that it spreads like the creeping fi ngers of a bursting fi rework. Leave to dry and children (and adults) will be delighted by the beautifully textured sparkly eff ect of the salt crystals. For more fi reworks
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fun add a couple of drops of vinegar to the centre of each splodge and watch the salty paint fi zz and bubble like a Catherine Wheel. Alternatively paint the vinegar onto plain paper then add the salt for a fi zzing surprise!
Magic Fireworks: This activity will no doubt take you back to your childhood. It has spawned a whole shelf of etching products, but all you need to recreate it is some plain white card, coloured crayons, black paint and utensils or clay tools. Simply cover the page with the coloured crayon then paint over with black paint until completely covered – two layers may be needed. Invite your child to use the tools to recreate some of their favourite fi reworks and enjoy their wonder as the magical coloured fi reworks spring to life on the page.
Edible Sparklers: Children and adults will love these gorgeous edible ‘sparklers’ which are completely safe and almost healthy! You will need some plain bread sticks or even pretzels, some milk chocolate and a selection of cake decorations. Warm the chocolate in a bowl and help the children dip the ends of the sticks in chocolate then a selection of hundreds and thousands. Leave to dry – if you can wait!
Cable Tie Fireworks: Not all fi rework art has to be messy. These unusual multi-coloured cable tie fi reworks are wonderful for occupying fi dgety fi ngers and practicing fi ne motor skills and amazingly eff ective. Form a circle with a clear cable tie then secure coloured ties to this to make radiating
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