FIREWORKS flew at Woodhey High School as the pupils enjoyed an explosive Christmas science lecture.
Up to 175 pupils from the Bolton Road West school and Tottington High School packed into the Frank Bennett Hall with their parents to learn about the chemistry behind fireworks from leading explosions expert Dr Jackie Akhavan.
Dr Akhavan, a senior lecturer at Cranfield University in the department of environmental and ordnance systems, used the Pretty Pretty Bang Bang lecture to give an insight into the chemicals that produce the different colours in a firework explosion along with a powerpoint presentation and practical demonstrations.
Highlights of the event include the lighting of different coloured stars, the ignition of a rocket placed upside down in a metal holder, the ignition of gunpowder and the ignition of a firework of the future, a star which flashed with a strobe effect once lit. The finale included lighting bangers increasing in size each time with the final one being ignited outside because it was so loud.
Science teacher Andy King, who organised the event, said: "The evening was a great success and will become a regular event, with one lecture in the summer and one at Christmas. The evening was free to everyone with guests asked to make a voluntary donation towards Children in Need which raised £46.75."
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