In the earliest days of the United States, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail about the celebration of independence, “It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, ...

But behind every red, white, and blue burst is a little chemistry—and a surprising connection to naturally occurring minerals ...

As America celebrates its 250th birthday this Independence Day, one thing is certain: the night sky will be filled with brilliant fireworks displays. From dazzling reds to deep blues and shimmering ...

China gets a shoutout at a Philadelphia exhibition for its early development of gunpowder, which was once thought of a toxic to increase vitality.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- "Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks" at the Science History Institute is a blast. "Our newest exhibition, 'Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks,' explores the ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Fireworks are a class of explosive pyrotechnic devices that commonly come in around seven colors. Shahril KHMD/Shutterstock.com In ...

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Paul E. Smith, Purdue University (THE CONVERSATION) In the earliest days of the United ...