Science experiment: Make a dust explosion from household items

Grain bin explosions are common out west, but they can happen right here in the Heartland. Here's a safe experiment that will demonstrate how one of these explosions occur. Make sure to have an adult present during this experiment.

Ingredients

Tin with a metal sealing lid

A hammer

A metal punch

A piece of thin metal sheet

A drinking straw

A candle stub

Paper

Matches

Flour

Spoon or spatula

Water

Instructions

STEP 1: Glue the small piece of metal sheet to form a shelf that comes out from the side of the tin. It needs to be down toward the bottom at about the level the candle flame will burn.

STEP 2: Knock a hole in the side of the tin that will snugly fit the drinking straw. The hole needs to be located just above the level of the shelf.

STEP 3: Pile up some flour on the shelf, and push the straw through the hole so that when you blow, the flour will puff up as a cloud through the tin.

STEP 4: Place a candle in the bottom of the tin and light with the taper.

STEP 5: Jam the lid on the top of the tin, and before the candle has a chance to go out give a strong quick blow through the drinking straw.

STEP 6: With luck the flour will ignite and blow the lid off the tin, accompanied with a whoosh of flame.

Explanation

The tiny particles of flour stirred up in the air became a recipe for the fiery explosion.

KFVS12 and the Southeast Missourian are teaming up for science. Every Tuesday you'll find an experiment from the KFVS Heartland Science Lab in the Class of 2morrow section of the Southeast Missourian. Grab the ingredients and join KFVS science reporter Jason Lindsey live on KFVS at 5 p.m. every Wednesday. More science experiences can be found at www.kfvs12.com and www.semissourian.com.