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How to Make a Spark Igniter

A spark igniter is a device that channels electricity into combustible material to produce a spark designed to ignite other materials. Building a spark igniter is a fairly easy but fun project that can be enjoyed by adults, children, science enthusiasts and those interested in a wide variety of hobbies such as electronics and rocketry. You can use a spark igniter for many things, including lighting fireworks and homemade rockets. For educational and recreational purposes, building and using a spark igniter is a fun and interesting way to see science in action.

Things You'll Need

Dextrin
Black powder
2 stripped wires, 3 inches each
Steel wool
Electrical or masking tape
Petri dish
Low voltage battery with attachable metal clips and outlet plug
Needle nose pliers
Teaspoon
Water
Measuring cup

Instructions

- 1
  Place 1/8 tsp. of black powder in the Petri dish.
- 2
  Place 1/8 tsp. of Dextrin in the Petri dish. Mix the two substances together with the teaspoon.
- 3
  Add two drops of water to the Petri dish. Stir the contents gently.
- 4
  Use needle nose pliers to bend the ends of the two stripped wires at 45 degree angles.
- 5
  Place the two wires parallel to and 1/4 inch away from each other with the bent ends facing away from each other. Rip off a small piece of electrical or masking tape and lay it across the top of the two wires near the straight ends. Use another small piece of tape to cover the bottom of the wires and the top piece of tape.
- 6
  Remove a strand of steel wool.
- 7
  Wrap the steel wool strand around the bent ends of the two wires. Make sure it is wrapped tightly.
- 8
  Dip the bent ends of the igniter into the black powder and Dextrin mixture. Swirl around to gather a small but tangible amount of black powder and Dextrin.
- 9
  Let the Dextrin and black powder mixture dry for 90 minutes.
- 10
  Attach the metal clips to the two straight ends of the igniter just behind the electrical or masking tape. Position the battery several feet away in a secure location.
- 11
  Plug the battery into an electrical outlet to ignite your spark igniter.

Insects & Science