FIREWORKS MANUFACTURING SYLLABUS AND SCHEDULE
COURSE DESPRIPTION: Students will learn basic techniques in the safe
manufacture of fireworks. Topics covered will include safety, regulations,
formulas, star making, ball & cylinder shell construction, and advanced
techniques. The lab will allow students to construct and shoot their own
fireworks up to 5” diameter shells.
All students must meet the requirements of the Safe Explosives Act.
Staff: The course will be instructed by Steve Hall, lecturer, MS Explosives
Engineering and BS Chemical Engineering (email: swhdk7@mst.edu), and Dr. Paul
Worsey.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS: Students will be expected to act professionally and
respectfully. Student success will be proportional to the effort put into the
course. Horseplay or other unsafe activities at the manufacturing site will not be
tolerated. Safety glasses are mandatory anytime a student is handling
pyrotechnic compositions. Failure to follow safety rules will result in grade point
deductions and repeat offenders will be dismissed from class. Attendance, timely
completion of assignments, quiz scores, lab results, and a final exam will
determine the student’s final grade in the class.
GRADES: A (90-100%), B(80-89%),C(70-79%),D(60-69%),F(<60%)
The instructor reserves the right to adjust this grading scale to the student’s
benefit when calculating final grades.
GRADING POINT VALUES:
QUIZZES (5) – 100 POINTS
ASSIGNMENTS (5) - 100 POINTS
LAB PROJECT -100 POINTS
FINAL EXAM – 100 POINTS
COURSE SCHEDULE:
WEEK ONE – COURSE EXPECTATIONS, SAFETY, DISPLAY OPERATOR REVIEW,
VIDEOS.
WEEK TWO – REGULATIONS, SHELL CONSTRUCTION, CHEMICAL COMPOSITION,
BAG MINE LAB
WEEK THREE – BALL SHELLS, 3” PLASTIC AND PAPER BALL SHELL LAB
WEEK FOUR – STAR MAKING, ROLLING STARS AND CUT STARS LAB
WEEK FIVE –BLACK POWDER AND BURST CHARGE LAB, WASP MACHINE
WEEK SIX – CYLINDER SHELL CONSTRUCTION, PROJECT LAB TIME
WEEK SEVEN – ADVANCED TECHNIQUES (MULTI BREAK, TIMED EFFECTS, COMETS
ROCKETS, GERBS), PROJECTS LAB TIME
WEEK EIGHT – FINAL EXAM REVIEW, PROJECT LAB TIME
WEEK NINE – FINAL EXAM, SHOOT AND GRADE PROJECTS
THE DISTANCE COURSE SCHEDULE IS FLEXIBLE DEPENDENT UPON INDIVIDUAL
STUDENT SCHEDULES.
LAB SCHEDULE:
LABS WILL BE CONDUCTED OUTDOORS AT THE MINE DURING THE 4PM TO 8PM
CLASS TIMES FOR CAMPUS CLASSES, WEATHER AND DAYLIGHT PERMITING. LABS
FOR DISTANCE CLASSES WILL BE SCHEDULED OVER A FULL 3 DAY WEEKEND.
ASSIGNMENTS:
WEB SEARCH (FIREWORKS INJURIES)
WEB SEARCH (AFN, PGI, PYRO DIRECT, PYRO TALK, SKYLIGHTER, MOPYRO,PYROUNIVERSE)
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION EXERCISE
EFFECT IDENTIFICATION AND MANUFACTURE EXERCISE
UTUBE FIREWORKS MANUFACTURING SEARCH
ACADEMIC HONESTY: Any student caught violating the university’s Academic
Honesty policy will be reported to the authorities that govern such issues.
DISABILITY/SPECIAL NEEDS: If a student has a special need or disability, the
student is encouraged to contact the course instructor and arrangements will be
made to keep the learning environment fair to all involved.