Fireworks, Bonfires and Toffee Apples

The story behind Bonfire Night

by Hannah Taylor

Suitable for Whole School (Pri)

Aims

To consider the key elements of bonfire night, including fireworks, bonfires and toffee apples.

Preparation and materials

• You will need the PowerPoint slides accompanying this assembly (Fireworks, Bonfires and Toffee Apples) and the means to display it.
• You will need the YouTube clip ‘The explosive science behind fireworks - BBC News’ and the means to display it. This can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM247NGLEew

Assembly

1. Show Slide 1.
   The History behind Bonfires
   Bonfire night takes place on the 5^th November and it is an exciting time of year for many people.
   Fireworks light up the sky, bonfires are lit, and friends and family gather together.
   But do you know why it is celebrated?
2. In 1605, there was a plot to destroy Parliament with gunpowder; this plan failed, and the culprits were caught, including a man who we famously know as Guy Fawkes. 
3. Guy Fawkes worked with 12 other men to plan the attack; he was the man guarding the explosives and has been remembered for over 400 years.
4. We remember the event every year with fireworks.
5. Show Slide 2.
   Let’s learn about fireworks
   Ask the children to raise their hands if they like watching fireworks.
   Explain that thousands of years ago, a group of Chinese scientists accidently mixed together chemicals to make an early form of gunpowder; these were thought to be the first ever fireworks.
6. Later on, in the 1830s, Italian inventors found a way to mix a special casing with metallic powders to create fireworks.
7. Firework rockets can reach speeds of 150 miles per hour when they are set off.
   When rocket-type fireworks are lit, the gunpowder explodes, creating gases that shoot the firework into the air.
8. Show the YouTube clip ‘The explosive science behind fireworks - BBC News’. This can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM247NGLEew
9. Show Slide 3.
   Why do we have toffee apples?
   Ask the children if they have ever tasted a toffee apple.
   Apples are harvested at this time of year, making them readily available, and toffee is added to make them a sweet, sticky treat.
   The sugar from the toffee also preserves the apples so that they can be enjoyed for longer.

Time for reflection

Let’s all take a minute to be thankful for our wonderful celebrations, the smiles, excitement and joy that they bring.
Let us be grateful for the people in our lives with whom we can make happy memories.
Let us also think about staying safe around fireworks, making sure we watch the displays from a distance and caring for pets who might be frightened by the loud noises.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the people in our lives with whom we can celebrate.
Thank you for the joy, love and care that they bring to our lives.
Please help us to find ways to show our appreciation.
Please help us to keep safe as we celebrate Bonfire Night this year.
Please be with anyone who is sad or lonely at this time.
Amen.

Song/music

‘Remember, Remember the 5^th of November’. This can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ioc6KQn4AXw

‘Shine Jesus Shine’. This can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3iB30gCqAc