No need to go to Ollivanders to buy a magic wand. In the chemistry lab activity, young magicians mix chemicals to create combustible compounds. By applying these compounds to an iron wire, they create magic wands.

Concepts

reaction rates, gibbs free energy, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, redox reactions, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Have the class research how different chemicals result in different color sparks

Classroom Considerations

• Be sure to get administrative approval before conducting activity (sparklers)
• Activity is designed specifically for AP Chemistry and assumes a mature group of learners
• Lesson guide suggests a two-day lab (90 minutes on first and 45 minutes on second day)

Pros

• Many learners will enjoy connection to the Harry Potter series
• Worksheets are available as Word versions, which allows for editing
• Includes two different recipes (representing Gryffindor and Slytherin), letting students choose which they would like to use

Cons

• None