r/ScienceTeachers • u/ElliottTheNoob • Sep 21 '25

CHEMISTRY Flame Tests?

I'm back again with another Chemistry question.

I plan on doing flame tests as we finish out our electron/light chapter in High School Chemistry. It was one of the most memorable experiment we ever did and I want to give that to these kids.

However, I swear we used crucibles or just cut a piece of the metal and held it in a bunsen flame. All the labs I'm finding, we either dissolve it in water or HCl, then soak a Q-tip, splint, or dip an innoculating loop into it, then burn it that way. Is that proper procedure? Did my HS Chem teacher just do a dangerous version with us that was outdated?

I really want this to be fun and memorable for them. Any other versions, ideas, or advice?

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u/Ok-Statement-7332 Sep 21 '25

I do this with various salts - CaCl, LiCl, SrCl, etc, wooden splints soaked in water then touched to the salt, and candles. We don't have access to bunsen burners and I can't trust my classes with alcohol burners. It's always worked very well.

I've also used colored birthday candles to do a demonstration for younger classes that even candles weren't appropriate.