You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Did you know that…? Glowsticks are a chemical reaction going off in a tube! The glow released by a glowstick is the result of a chemical reaction taking place. When you crack a glowstick, you break the vial allowing the chemicals to mix causing a chemical reaction, the side effect of this is light without heat which causes the glowstick to glow and the process is known as chemiluminescence.
Glowsticks were originally invented as a military tool. Developed by the US Navy in the early sixties, glowsticks began life as emergency lights, man overboard float lights, target markers, landing zone markers and parachute drop markers before being picked up by further arms of the military and public services and eventually civilian markets.
Glowsticks are affected by temperature. The chemical reaction inside a glowstick is sensitive to heat and extreme cold. The speed of the chemical reaction speeds up considerably in high temperatures causing the glowstick to glow brighter but for a shorter period of time. Exposure to extreme cold and freezing conditions dramatically slows down the chemical reaction resulting in a duller glow that lasts much longer than usual, so if you want to prolong the life of your glowstick, pop it in the freezer!
Glowsticks are available in more than just one shape. The standard six inch glowstick is the most recognised shape, but the same concept has been applied to make glow necklaces , glow bracelets , glow cups and even glow in the dark bunny ears!
By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Author Info Last Updated: September 15, Method 1. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Find a little extra light. Crack the glow stick down every bit of its length.
If no light at all appears, your glow stick is completely used up and there's no hope for it. If you can get a tiny bit of light, even just a couple spots, you've got something to work with. The light in a glow stick is caused by a reaction between two chemicals.
One is kept inside a glass tube. Cracking the tube breaks the glass and lets the chemicals mix and react. Cracking too hard will break the glow stick and spill glass and goo that can irritate the skin. Seal the glow stick in a plastic bag. Put the stick in a zip-locked bag. Press out the air from the bag, then seal it. It's unlikely that the glow stick will break during this method, but just in case, this will make it easy to throw away.
Stick the glow stick in a freezer. For best results, stick it underneath a lightweight frozen object. This will freeze the liquids inside, preventing them from reacting. Before you do this, be aware that this can cause excessive ice buildup or freeze liquids in an attached refrigerator.
Take it out and shake it. Check on the glow stick after an hour and try shaking it and cracking it. If this doesn't work, return it to the freezer overnight and try again the next day. Most brands of glow sticks will get a little extra glowing time when the liquids inside melt and recombine. Some brands will be quite bright, while others will just stay at the same dim level, but last longer.
There's no way to tell what will happen without experimenting. Keep it in the plastic bag while you shake it, just in case it breaks. It can take a little while for the glow stick to warm up and glow again. Method 2. Heat a pot of warm water. Heat until the water begins to steam or simmer. Heat speeds up the chemical reaction that causes the glow. This set , with its varying sizes and lots of connectors, is extra good for this. Count them, make patterns, and even perform basic addition and subtraction.
You can also use glow sticks to practice prewriting skills. You can also have them use the glow sticks in lieu of pencils in a rice or sprinkles writing tray. Glow Sticks are fantastic for pretend play, too. Kid friendly rave anyone? Shut off the lights and hand out the glow sticks.
Throw on some kid tunes on your Amazon Echo or on your phone, and shake it on out. This is a fun way to use up leftover glow sticks that your kids are sure to love! Crack a glow stick and insert it into a deflated or partially inflated balloon.
Blow it up, tie a knot, and voila- glowing balloons! Play all the classic balloon games, but this time in the dark. Toss it in the air and see if you can catch it. See how long you can keep it in the air. They might be a little heavier, so it may involve more kicking than hitting, but the kids will still love it…maybe even more.
The balloons will come down a little faster, adding a bit of extra challenge to a favorite childhood activity. Building a glow stick fort is another fantastic way to take one of our kids favorite activities and put a glow stick twist on it.
Then shut down the lights and let them take the glow sticks inside for extra spooky fun. Have them test different fort styles, and see which blocks out the light the best. Test blankets versus sheets, and challenge them to build the biggest structure possible without letting light in.
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