fireworks!!!

This may not be the most relevant as far as current events right now, but it's without a doubt the coolest. The use of pyrotechnics is an old tradition, and a very popular one, too. Changes are possible in the field, though. You may not hear about tons of people being killed by fireworks every year, but it's enough of an issue that some states ban them from private users. In addition, injuries can occur as a result of unsafe firework displays. Now this isn't the cool part. The good part is the art of pyrotechnics itself. Think about it: there are so many amazing and unique firework shows. For example, they have great fireworks at magic kingdom-but is it really magic? If not, how is it all possible? Through the magical powers of chemistry!!! That is the answer, and that's what I want to find out more about. Can't wait!

i visited these blogs

A bunch of people found some really interesting stuff. I was amazed at how many things really do rely on chemistry. It makes me glad that we're learning about something with real usefulness in our society. A few people talked about ways of making our world cleaner and greener. Preventing gloabl warming and being conscious of our Earth are very important issues today, so developing cars with low emissions or new biodegradable products is crucial! Phil and Ashley had some sites about forensic science, which obviously plays a role in our judicial system. Many things my classmates researched really seemed related to current events in our world, so yay for chemistry! let's learn some more!!

I visited ashely's blog, mica's, phil's, and reiss's.

too cool for school?

Interesting stuff related to the amazing world of chemistry:
pyrotechnics. awesome molecules/architechture/disney. medicine. animal studies. the current state of earth.

Chemistry plays a part in each of my links, but fireworks are without a doubt the coolest. Advances in chemical knowledge and the formation of more dependable chemicals allows for safer pyrotechnics (even though that's kind of an oxymoron). You see, fireworks are traditionally exploded with gunpowder. That's automatically unstable, but new research could allow the beloved tradition to carry on more safely. Some aerial fireworks are already launched using the power of compressed air and exploded by an electronic timer. However, this is not yet the preferred method because it's not most practical-not yet at least. It would be great if that could change with a little more research.
The shape of fireworks depends on the way they're packed, but the color depends on the chemicals packed within them. This is where we can make some real connections. Already in chemistry this year we've experimented with some of the chemicals used in fireworks. We did a lab that involved burning or heating different substances, including a strip of magnesium. Magnesium is an important element in pyrotechnics. You may remeber the blinding light produced in our experiment. This same light is used for white sparks or to brighten the fireworks in general. It's awesome how such a little in-class experiment has an actual use in our world.

in the blog-zone

Chemistry is being used "for good" in many areas but in other areas we cannot yet understand its uses. While it can be used for things that may seem pointless, in reality the scientists who invest time and money in these projects do us all a favor. Individual institutions may not have the financial resources to support miscellaneous research if it has no obvious benefits. However, when curious scientists take it upon themselves to devote their energy to fun, interesting studies, you can't be sure what they will find.
Throughout history, many of the most amazing, life-changing discoveries have been discovered by accident (for example, penicillin). When scientists examine various fields of chemistry with specific goals in mind, they could accidentally make a discovery that's extremely beneficial to society. Though many put their efforts into fruitless research, we can't give up hope on these out-of-the-box thinkers altogether because we never know when the next incredible discovery will be made that once again allows chemistry to be used for good.

i posted on ben, kallie, and kate's blogs.

1st assignment

So far this year, I have enjoyed our honors chemistry class. In particular, I like the variety of talented students who make our class more interesting and focused. We all have something to contribute, and are eager to learn more. This type of environment is more productive than the larger groups of students we have in some other subjects. Though we lack the diversity present in bigger groups, each individual's willingness to add to class discussions makes it a more interesting and thoughtful class. I believe that we can learn a lot from eachother in both discussions and debates about different chem topics. Thanks to the unique relaxed and respecful environment of chem class, we can all participate without fear of being shot down. In this way, everyone is heard and we all learn a little more from eachother than we could on our own. I have been enjoying chem, and I hope for continued success as one little part of our amazing united honors chemistry(UHC) class.
Thanks if you read all this!
ally

my very first post...

blogs are amazing.