5th Hour IPS Thursday, January 24, 2002 (last updated)
First You Will Need Some Supplies
You will get a better effect if you use a paint can but coffee cans will do as well.
You need a hammer and nail to punch a whole in the side of the can.
You also need a candle.
Don't forget the lycopodium powder! Flour does not work so well.
What To Do
1.) Punch hole in the bottom of the can. Make sure its big enough for your eyedropper.
2.) Fill the eyedropper halfway full with the powder.
3.) Light the candle and place it into the bottom of the can.
4.) Place the lid on tight.
5.) Hold the eyedropper end in the can and squeeze quickly to disperse dust into can.
Some Tips:
Danger: Explosive. Wear your goggles and apron.
Don't lean over the can.
Watch out for high humidity as it may clump the powder and render it useless for this demonstration.
Tilt the eyedropper up so that it doesn't snuff out the candle.
The tighter the lid the more violent the explosion.
