Should Santa Wear a Flame Retardant Suit?

Flame-retardant chemicals can slow the spread of fire in homes and garments. But are these compounds naughty or nice? This week on Reactions, we ask whether old Saint Nick might want a flame-retardant suit…or choose to opt out.

The Littlest Holiday Tree – submitted by Flinn Scientific Canada

Add a drop of clear solution to a microscope slide containing a tiny piece of copper and create a beautiful, silver-branched holiday tree that grows before your very eyes!

Christmas Turkey Chemistry

Special thanks to Kris L. for this submission!

Source: 19 December – Christmas Turkey Chemistry

Sugar Crystal Ornaments – Sick Science! #220

Sugar is delicious, sweet and… perfect for creating colorful, beautiful ornaments?

Christmas Tree Safety – Cool Science Demonstration

 

There’s nothing like the fresh smell of a real tree, but real trees can also pose a serious fire hazard if the tree accidentally dries out. Steve Spangler shares a “television-only” science demonstration with firefighters in a controlled situation that illustrates how dry trees are susceptible to catching fire and ways to avoid this potential fire risk.