The Fascinating History of Fireworks and Gunpowder

Who invented the key ingredient that propels fireworks into the sky?

• Chemists in China

• Scientists in Europe

• Inventors in America

• Alchemists in Egypt

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What were early Chinese alchemists originally trying to create?

• An explosive for mining

• A new form of light

• A cure for diseases

• A potion for immortality

What did the early Chinese call gunpowder?

• Fire medicine

• Black magic

• Dragon powder

• Sky fuel

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What was gunpowder used for before it was used in fireworks?

• Lighting up homes

• Cooking and heating

• Flaming arrows and a flamethrower

• Agricultural fertilizer

Who likely spread the invention of gunpowder across the world?

• The Vikings

• The Romans

• The Egyptians

• The Mongols

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Who was likely responsible for bringing gunpowder back to Europe?

• Leonardo da Vinci

• Marco Polo

• Christopher Columbus

• William of Rubruck

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Why doesn't the trail of gunpowder explode like the barrel in old Westerns or cartoons?

• The energy and gases are released into the surrounding air

• The trail is too long

• It's too thin to catch fire

• It's a different type of gunpowder

What did the flame do after igniting the gunpowder in a firework canister?

• Extinguishes itself

• Creates a loud noise immediately

• Launches the firework high into the sky

• Turns into different colors