What are Fireworks made of?

Summary

Who Smarted? – "What Are Fireworks Made Of?"

Episode Date: July 6, 2026
Podcast: Who Smarted? (Atomic Entertainment / Starglow Media)
Target Audience: Kids and Families

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Episode Overview

This episode takes listeners on an entertaining and engaging journey through the science, history, and fun behind fireworks. With humor and interactive questions, the hosts and cast explore what fireworks are made of, how they get their dazzling colors and shapes, where they originated, and why they're central to celebrations worldwide—most notably the Fourth of July in the United States. The episode keeps a playful, lively tone designed to spark curiosity and make education feel like an adventure.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What Makes Fireworks Special?

• Fireworks are a staple of summer, especially for nighttime celebrations and major holidays like the Fourth of July.
• The episode hints at the fascination with colors, booms, fizzles, and fun shapes in fireworks displays.

  "Crowds will stop and watch and gasp. There will be powerful booms, fizzles and sparkles. And just when you can't take any more, that's when I unload the smiley faces." – Fireworks Enthusiast (02:39)

2. The Origins of Fireworks

• Ancient China:
  • Discovered over 2,200 years ago by accidentally overheating bamboo, producing a loud "bang."
  • Firecrackers were originally meant to scare enemies—not for entertainment.
• Invention of Gunpowder:
  • The famous mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate (gunpowder) was first concocted trying to create a potion for eternal life—by accident!

  "With this mixture of sulfur, charcoal and potassium nitrate, I will create a potion for eternal life. Whoopsie. Oh no. I dropped my magical mixture into the fire. Ooh, that's pretty cool. Maybe I'll just put on a light show instead." – Fireworks Enthusiast (06:32)

• Gunpowder became key for both fireworks and, unfortunately, weapons.

3. Fireworks Spread and Evolve

• The Global Journey:
  • From China, fireworks (and gunpowder) spread to the Middle East and Europe.
  • Early European fireworks were handled by "green men"—professionals in leafy, sooty costumes for (minimal) protection.
  • Displays included spinning wheels, flying dragons, and glowing trees.
• Safety (or lack thereof):
  • Early fireworks shows were exciting but often dangerous.

4. The Science of Colorful Fireworks

• Early Limitation:

  • The first fireworks were all the same color: orange—because that’s the color of fire.

• Italian Innovation (1830s):

  • Italians added certain elements to fireworks, producing new colors:
    • Strontium/Lithium = Red
    • Sodium = Yellow
    • Barium = Green
    • Copper = Blue

  "If I add strontium or lithium, I get red fireworks. If I add sodium, I get yellow. Let's see what barium does. Green! And if I add some copper, I get blue." – Fireworks Enthusiast (10:20)

• Sound Effects:

  • Whistles: Created by layers of organic salt and potassium perchlorate.
  • Bangs: Made louder with white titanium powder.
  • Hissing/Sizzling: Produced by iron flakes.

5. Shaping Fireworks: From Peonies to Smiley Faces

• Firework Shapes:
  • Most are named after plants and flowers:
    • Peony, Chrysanthemum, Willow, Dahlia, Palm, Spider, Jellyfish.
  • The iconic smiley face first appeared about 30 years ago.
• How Are Shapes Made?
  • Fireworks contain small pods called "stars" glued to cardboard in specific patterns inside the shell.
  • When launched, they explode into shapes if they detonate at the right angle.

  "These pods are called stars. Fireworks makers discovered that if you glue these stars to a piece of cardboard in a smiley face pattern and then stuff that inside the fireworks tube, when the firework goes off, it makes a smiley face in the sky." – Host (17:47)

6. Fireworks in Holiday Traditions

• Fireworks as Celebration:
  • Used worldwide: Singapore National Day, Australia Day, Guy Fawkes Night, Diwali, New Year's.
  • The U.S. Independence Day tradition dates back to John Adams—the “illuminations” he dreamed of were fireworks!

  "It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade games, sports...and illuminations." – Fireworks Enthusiast (15:27, quoting John Adams)

• Fun Fact:
  • More than 385 million pounds of fireworks are set off by Americans every year, mostly imported from China.

7. Safety First!

• Fireworks are made from the same chemicals used in gunpowder—very dangerous.
• Many injuries occur each year from at-home fireworks.

  "Fireworks are very dangerous. Each year, thousands of people are injured lighting fireworks. Some get serious burns, while others get even more serious injuries." – Host (18:36)

• Recommendation: Always leave it to the experts!

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On unexpected invention:
  "Whoopsie. Oh no. I dropped my magical mixture into the fire. Ooh, that's pretty cool. Maybe I'll just put on a light show instead." – Fireworks Enthusiast (06:32)

• On Italy’s impact:
  "If I add strontium or lithium, I get red fireworks. If I add sodium, I get yellow. Let's see what barium does. Green! And if I add some copper, I get blue." – Fireworks Enthusiast (10:20)

• On early fireworks’ color limitations:
  "Ooh, an orange one. Wow. Another orange one. Yep, more orange." – Scientist (09:15)

• On the smiley face fireworks:
  "Fireworks makers discovered that if you glue these stars to a piece of cardboard in a smiley face pattern and then stuff that inside the fireworks tube, when the firework goes off, it makes a smiley face in the sky." – Host (17:47)

• On safety:
  "You’re better off just sitting back and watching the experts put on a show." – Host (18:36)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:06] Identifying the topic: Fireworks!
• [05:59] Fireworks’ ancient Chinese origins
• [06:32] Gunpowder’s accidental invention
• [08:09] The "Green Men" of early fireworks history
• [09:33] Early fireworks color limitations (all orange)
• [10:17] The Italian breakthrough for colorful fireworks
• [14:49] Fireworks as global holiday tradition; John Adams' “illuminations”
• [15:52] Firework shapes named after flowers and plants
• [17:47] How smiley face and other shaped fireworks are made
• [18:36] Safety warning and fireworks as gunpowder

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Structured Summary – At a Glance

History

• Fireworks arose accidentally in China, made with bamboo and then with gunpowder.
• Used originally for scaring enemies, later adapted for celebrations.

Science

• Gunpowder mixture ignites and propels fireworks.
• Addition of metals/chemicals yields different colors.
• Shapes are achieved by arranging chemical stars inside the firework.

Culture

• Fireworks are central to celebrations globally, especially on U.S. Independence Day.
• Most common firework shape names come from flowers.

Safety

• Fireworks are hazardous, and the episode strongly cautions kids to leave them to the experts.

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Conclusion

With questions, humor, interactive learning, and vivid sound design, "Who Smarted?" transforms the science and story of fireworks into an exciting, memorable lesson. Kids and adults alike get a blend of chemistry, history, and safety—all to the backdrop of fizzing, booming, and sparkling fun!

Transcript

[Host]

Hey, smarty pants, quick question.

[Narrator]

Would it be cool to slice flying fruit out of the air like a ninja? I'm hearing a lot of yeses. Well, last weekend I was actually doing it in my living room. Just me chopping watermelons and pineapples out of mid air while my dinner was

[Host]

bubbling on the stove.

[Narrator]

How NEX Playground. NEX Playground is a kid focused game system where your body is the controller. No joystick, no buttons. The playground sees your moves and you're in the game. I've been CR Fruit Ninja and there's also Bluey and Ninja Turtles games, and an Avatar Earth Rumble tournament where I

[Host]

got to bend rocks.

[Narrator]

Dance games, sports games. Over 50 games. Once you add play. Pass smarty parents, here's the part for you. Playground is built kid safe. No ads, no in app purchases, no mature content, no online chat with strangers. Just your smarty pants moving their body, having a blast. Playing games that you can actually feel good about. It's the screen time solution that's also

[Host]

extra exercise, which means everyone wins.

[Narrator]

Check out next [e-mail]. that's nexplayground.com. trust me, your living room is about

[Host]

to get a lot more interesting. Hey, smarty pants. Summertime is here. And you know what that means. Time to head to the pool or the beach, watch or play baseball. Summer camp. And best of all, it's a break from school for a couple of months.

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

Yes, yes. I love the summer. Don't forget amusement parks and hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill. And ice cream trucks.

[Host]

Nope, can't forget the ice cream.

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

Oh, and nighttime celebrations.

[Host]

Uh, nighttime celebrations?

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

Yes, yes. At night, that's when I take over the town.

[Host]

Excuse me?

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

With my wild chemical explosions lighting up the entire night sky with blasts of color. So many colors. Whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Host]

Hold on.

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

I will literally make it rain fire.

[Host]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

Yes, yes, yes. And crowds will stop and watch and gasp. There will be powerful booms, fizzles and sparkles. And just when you can't take any more, that's when I unload the smiley faces.

[Host]

Smiley faces, Smiley faces. Oh, you're not a mad scientist plotting to take over the world. You're talking about. Wait, before I reveal it, what do you think, smarty pants? Do you know what he's talking about?

[Reporter]

What?

[Host]

Booms and fizzles and lights up the night sky with colors and smiley faces

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

and stars and Saturns.

[Host]

What do you think? Shout out your answer. I heard some of you say it. Now here's one. More hint, is there anything that can stop you from your loud bangs and whistles?

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

Nope. Nothing can stop me. Except rain. Rain can stop me. Please don't rain. No.

[Host]

Yep, rain would be bad because then you'd have to cancel the fireworks.

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

Uh huh.

[Host]

Did you guess fireworks, smarty pants? Nice. Fireworks can be pretty awesome to watch and a little bit loud and scary too. And obviously, fireworks should only be handled by adults, preferably experts. But what exactly are fireworks? How are they made? And how do they get all those exciting shapes and colors?

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

So many colors.

[Host]

And were the first fireworks created by accident? It's time for another whiff of science

[Reporter]

on who's smarted, who's smarted? Who's smart? Is it you? Is it me? Is it science? Or history? Listen up, everyone. We make smarting lots of fun. On who's smart? And.

[Host]

Summers just wouldn't be the same without the snap, crackle, pop of fireworks. Especially on the 4th of July every year, Americans celebrate America's birthday with festive explosions in the sky. In fact, fireworks are so popular in the United States, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans set off more than 385 million pounds of fireworks last year alone. That's heavier than seven statues of Liberty. So where do you think most fireworks come from? Is it A, Washington, D.C. b, China, or C, Australia? The answer is B, China. The United States might buy the most fireworks, but China is the world's largest maker and seller of fireworks. Which makes sense because China is where fireworks were first created, apparently by accident.

[Reporter]

Oopsie.

[Host]

About 2200 years ago, the ancient Chinese first discovered the firecracker by leaving bamboo stalks in a fire for too long. The overheated bamboo created a loud bang, which the Chinese then used to scare off potential enemies. Sometime between the year 600 and 900, the Chinese improved upon the firecracker, but not because of entertainment. As the legend goes, the inventor of fireworks wanted to create something unbelievable. The kind of thing you'd expect a mad scientist to try.

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

Yes, with this mixture of sulfur, charcoal and potassium nitrate, I will create a potion for eternal life. Whoopsie. Oh no. I dropped my magical mixture into the fire. Ooh, that's pretty cool. Maybe I'll just put on a light show instead.

[Host]

Instead of creating a potion for eternal life, the Chinese stuff this newfangled chemical mixture into bamboo or paper tubes, creating the first fireworks. They would feature these brand new sparkling noisemakers in celebrations. But that's not all. The Chinese soon discovered that the same chemicals that could make fireworks could Also make weapons.

[Scientist]

Whoa.

[Host]

Do you know what we now call that mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate used to make fireworks? Is it A, pixie dust, B, explodey sauce, Or C gunpowder?

[Scientist]

Hmm.

[Host]

The answer is c. Gunpowder. Middle eastern and European nations took a great interest in using gunpowder to fight their wars. And with it, their top engineers developed better weapons. Fortunately, these countries also developed better fireworks, including ones that now soared through the air. Most times, the new fireworks were handled by professionals called green men.

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

Take me to your leader, earthling.

[Host]

No, no, no. Not the little green men people used to think live on Mars. The green men were people who operated fireworks displays during the 1600s. They would cover their heads with leaves and their skin with soot. This would mostly protect them from sparks as they ran around lighting fireworks. The job was extremely dangerous, but the shows these green men put on were nothing short of spectacular. There were lots of things to see in the air and on the ground. Trees glowed with sparklers, spinning wheels shot fire, and wooden creations shaped like dragons might fly by on rocket power. Now, before you say something like, aw,

[Advertiser]

man, I wish I lived back then,

[Reporter]

I want to see a fire dragon.

[Host]

Keep in mind safety wasn't a big concern in those days. Objects, and even people would sometimes catch fire after fireworks were launched into the crowds. And maybe you would have been disappointed by those old fireworks shows Because a certain something was missing. See if you can guess from this crowd's reaction.

[Scientist]

Ooh, an orange one. Wow. Another orange one. Yep, more orange. And look, an orange sparkler. And an orange dragon. And more orange. Can we go home now?

[Reporter]

Yeah.

[Host]

Those early fireworks were missing something, all right. Did you guess it? Yep. Color. Except for orange. And they were only orange because orange is the color of fire. But that all changed in the 1830s thanks to the Italians. They discovered a way to add color to the fireworks. Now, adding color isn't as easy as packing a bunch of crayons into a fireworks shell and hoping for the best. As you just learned, fireworks are actually chemical reactions caused by adding fire to a combination of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate. Italians discovered that if you add certain other elements to this chemical mixture, the energy released from the burn creates colorful light.

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

Yes.

[Scientist]

Yes.

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

If I add strontium or lithium, I get red fireworks. If I add sodium, I get yellow. Ha ha. Let's see what barium does. Woohoo. Green. And if I add some copper, I get blue. It's working.

[Reporter]

It's working.

[Host]

Working.

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

Her evident she colorless fireworks.

[Host]

Thanks to the Italians and various chemicals, fireworks now came in colors. And there would be other improvements to the chemical formula. Fireworks makers discovered that adding layers of organic salt and potassium perchlorate created a whistling sound, while white titanium powder created a louder bang. They've also used illuminant or iron flakes to make fireworks hiss and sizzle. Then, in the 1990s, a brand new feature was added that's now become part of most professional fireworks celebrations. Can you guess what it is? We're pretty sure this feature makes you smile. We'll tell you what it is and how they do it right after this quick break.

[Advertiser]

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[Reporter]

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[Advertiser]

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[Host]

smarty pants, Quick question.

[Narrator]

Would it be cool to slice flying fruit out of the air like a ninja? I'm hearing a lot of yeses. Well last weekend I was actually doing it in my living room. Just me chopping watermelons and pineapples out of mid air while my dinner was

[Host]

bubbling on the stove.

[Narrator]

How Nex Playground Nex Playground is a kid focused game system where your body is the controller. No joystick, no buttons. The playground sees your moves and you're in the game. I've been crushing Fruit Ninja and there's also Bluey and Ninja Turtles games and an Avatar Earth Rumble tournament where I got to bend rocks. Dance games, sports games, over 50 games once you add play. Pass smarty parents, here's the part for you. Playground is built kid safe. No ads, no in app purchases, no mature content, no online chat with strangers. Just your smarty pants moving their body having a blast playing games that you can actually feel good about. It's the screen time solution that's also

[Host]

exercise, which means everyone wins.

[Narrator]

Check out next playground@nexus playground.com that's nexplayground.com Trust me, your living room is about

[Host]

to get a lot more interesting.

[Narrator]

Hey, who smarted families trusty here. You know me, always here with the facts, the stories, the wild science. And today I have an extra special book series to introduce you to. Meet the investigators Mango and Brash are two alligator secret agents who travel through the city sewers to fight crime and solve the most wonderfully weird mysteries.

[Host]

If you love the puns and silly

[Narrator]

humor we throw at you on every

[Host]

episode of who's Smarted?

[Narrator]

You're gonna feel right at home. It's basically who Smarted Energy in graphic novel form. Over 4 million copies have been sold worldwide. 4 million. Now there's nine books in the series,

[Host]

a special edition, and a spin off.

[Narrator]

So if you plow through books, this is basically a gift. And the newest case just dropped. Investigators Whether or Not by John Patrick Greene where the city's water supply has been replaced with milk, the rain is turning green and monkey scientists are causing chaos. So grab your copy of Investigators whether or not at your local bookstore, library, or online Today.

[Host]

And now back to Whosmarted people around the world have long used fireworks to celebrate National Day in Singapore, Australia Day in Australia, Guy Fawkes Night in England, and Diwali in India are just some of the major events marked with fireworks. A lot of countries also usher in the New Year with fireworks, too. And of course, in the United States, there's Independence Day, AKA the Fourth of July. Historians say founding father John Adams inspired the fireworks tradition. As the Declaration of Independence was about to be signed, Adams wrote, I am

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade games, sports, barbecues, beach parties, loud funky music, hot dog eating contests, and illuminations.

[Host]

Okay, okay, maybe he didn't write all that, but he did say illuminations. So what do you think he meant by illuminations? Meaning to illuminate or light up? Did you say fireworks? Sure enough, one year after the Declaration was signed, Independence Day was celebrated with fireworks. Even though the United States was still in the midst of the Revolutionary War, historians say fireworks may have been used to cheer up the troops, And they've been part of any July 4th holiday celebration ever since. As you know, fireworks come in different shapes which have names. Can you guess what the most common fireworks are named after? Is it A wild animals, B plants and flowers, or C chemical elements? The answer is B, plants and flowers. The most common firework, the giant, colorful circular blast, is named after a flower called a peony. Another firework named after the chrysanthemum flower is also circular, but it ends with a trail of sparks. The willow firework droops down like a weeping willow tree, while the dahlia firework looks like a colorful flower blooming outward. Other fireworks have a variety of names, including the palm tree, the spider, the jellyfish, and the ever popular smiley face. Fireworks with smiles first appeared about 30 years ago. Any idea how they're made?

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

No. That is one I have not been able to figure out. But if you tell me the secret, you'll see my smiley face. Please, please, please.

[Host]

The secret ingredient is cardboard.

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

Cardboard?

[Narrator]

Yep.

[Host]

Each firework tube contains dozens of small pods inside that hold the chemicals that give off the colors. And these pods are called stars. Fireworks makers discovered that if you glue these stars to a piece of cardboard in a smiley face pattern and then stuff that inside the fireworks tube, when the firework goes off, it makes a smiley face in the sky.

[Scientist]

Whoa.

[Host]

They've used this method to make fireworks that look like hearts, stars, the planet Saturn, and other simple shapes. The only problem is, these fireworks need to explode at just the right angle so the audience below can see it correctly. That's why several are normally launched at once. Chances are some will line up perfectly and the audience will recognize the fun shape.

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

Ah, so simple. Of course, handling fireworks is not so simple.

[Host]

Yes, that's true. Fireworks are very dangerous. Each year, thousands of people are injured lighting fireworks. Some get serious burns, while others get even more serious injuries. Remember, this is the same stuff used to make gunpowder. You're better off just sitting back and watching the experts put on a show.

[Fireworks Enthusiast]

That one smiled right at me.

[Reporter]

This is Chet Nickerson with an explosive shout out to Olivia and Alex and their mom, Anna in Conroe, Texas. We're so glad to have you smarting with us every morning when you go to school. It makes Trusty a happy narrator and me a happy reporter. Knowing who's smarted makes all your car rides much more fun. Thanks for being part of our smarty family this episode.

[Host]

Fireworks was written by Dave Beaudry and voiced by Taya Garlid, Colin Cameron, Gia Davis, Adam Tex Davis, and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Josh Hahn. Whosmarted is recorded and mixed at the Relic Room studios. Our associate producer is Max Kamasky. The theme song is by Brian Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Tex Davis. Whosmarted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This is an Atomic Entertainment production.