Summer is coming to an end, but it's not too late for a little camping in Minnesota. Why not add to the fun by doing a little chemistry with campfire coloring and experiments?
We tried a little campfire chemistry while camping with homeschool friends last summer. It was such fun that afterwards we looked up other ingredients to add to really change the colors and cause better reactions.
Campfire Dude has a chart of ingredients that can be added to campfires to turn the flames all different colors and cause other special effects.
For example, epsom salts will turn flames white, alum will turn them green and Potassium Chloride (water softener salt) will turn them purple. Sprinkles of sugar can cause tiny spark effects and powdered coffee creamer can cause "small sparkly flashes."
The site also includes a recipe to make slow-burning wax patties with these ingredients for a longer lasting effect.
Campfire Dude offers the following commonsense warnings:
"It's important to do these only after all cooking has been done on the fire and when there is little wind so the smoke can rise up rather than into campers' faces."
Obviously, parents should use utmost caution and perform these experiments with care.
Have fun!
