Fourth of July Celebrations Mean Fireworks

Education World looks at Web sites dedicated to fireworks, fireworks safety, and Independence Day.

Pyrotechnics, the art, craft, and science of fireworks, originated in China with the invention of black powder around the first century A.D. The sights and sounds of a fireworks display have fascinated people around the world ever since. If your Fourth of July celebration wouldn't be complete without fireworks, Education World recommends checking out the following great sites:

1. California 4th of July Fireworks Safety
   http://www.fireworks-safety.com/plate.main/forkids.html
   This is a great site for kids. Students can follow the cartoon exploits of the Preventor, America's Life-Safety Superhero; learn about the hazards of illegal explosives; and take a Junior Fire Marshall Quiz. For teachers, there's a classroom guide on fireworks safety.

2. Larry Crump's Fireworks Pages
   http://www.wf.net/~lcrump1/
   The creator of this Web site is a licensed pyrotechnician who has fired professional fireworks displays for more than 25 years. In addition to viewing impressive photographs of professional fireworks displays, users can get lists of upcoming fireworks events, see a photo essay on the staging of a large-scale pyrotechnic display, read a how-to article on photographing fireworks, and obtain information on fireworks safety.

3. American Fireworks News
   http://www.fireworksnews.com/
   This is the Web site of American Fireworks News, a publishing enterprise for anyone who has a keen interest in fireworks. In addition to various newsletters, magazines, and videos, the Web site offers personal stories from fireworks enthusiasts, articles on the history of fireworks, and cartoons.

4. The National Council on Fireworks Safety
   http://www.fireworksafety.com/
   The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a non-profit organization dedicated to the safe enjoyment of fireworks. Look here for tips on choosing safe fireworks, suggestions for staging a safe fireworks display, and a state by state listing of the laws governing the use of fireworks.

5. Pyrotechnics -- The Art of Fire
   http://cc.oulu.fi/~kempmp/pyro.html
   This Web site is the work of a fireworks enthusiast who also happens to be a chemist. For a science class, you may want to check out a highly detailed explanation of the physics behind colored lights or a description of the way electric ignition works. Stunning color photographs accompany each article. Also included are links to other sites of interest.

ADDITIONAL FOURTH OF JULY RESOURCES

• Celebrate the Fourth of July!!! In addition to a virtual fireworks display, this site offers information on fireworks safety, laws governing fireworks displays, and information about the Declaration of Independence, the Star-Spangled Banner, and the Flag of the United States of America.
• Independence Day on the Net Check here for a collection of Fourth of July activities. Also included are the text of the Declaration of Independence, a listing of the presidents, and the story behind Independence Day.

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Lauren P. Gattilia
Education World®
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