Exploring Chemistry Through Color: 8th-Grade Scientists Investigate the Flame Test

Science came to life in our Middle School classrooms as Moravian Academy’s 8th-grade chemists took a hands-on approach to exploring the properties of elements. In the Flame Test Lab, students used Bunsen burners to observe how different salt compounds produce vibrant colors when exposed to heat. But was this the most reliable way to identify them?

To dig deeper, students compared their flame test results to data from a previous experiment, where they used an emission spectrum to pinpoint elements by their unique wavelengths. This thoughtful analysis tied into their unit on periodic table families and energy levels, reinforcing how excited electrons create the brilliant colors we see in fireworks, neon signs, and beyond!

Through this engaging, inquiry-based learning experience, our students didn’t just see chemistry in action—they truly understood the science behind the glow.