Pyrotechnics is the science used in creating fireworks. The science dates back thousands of years to ancient China. Fireworks are made using gunpowder, the same powder Guy Fawkes tried to use four hundred years ago to blow up Parliament.
There are many types of fireworks. Rockets are fireworks that shoot up into the sky and explode into colourful shapes. Catherine Wheels are fireworks that spin around like a wheel, and are very bright and noisy. The name comes from a form of punishment that was used against St Catherine in the Middle Ages. Sparklers are metal sticks which can be held at one end. When lit it sparkles and hisses.