Loud bangs and colourful flames greeted students at Kirk Hallam Community Academy as part of a display organised for British Science Week.
Students in Key Stage Three were invited to watch a series of experiments carried out under controlled conditions during lunchtime.
They included setting fire to hydrogen balloons and heating iron oxide to an extremely high temperature.
The experiments were part of the largest ever one-day showcase of live school Science demos by teachers across the UK.
Dr Ryan Atkins, Chemistry teacher and Key Stage Three and Five co-ordinator for Science at the academy, said the aim of ‘demo day’ was to stimulate students’ interest in Science.
He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to generate enthusiasm for Science among our youngest students.
“They come at lunchtime so it’s completely voluntary and this year we had the largest number ever turn up.
“We always put on a good show and it’s great to hear their reactions. Hopefully they leave feeling inspired and keen to learn more.”
British Science Week is a 10-day celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths featuring fascinating, entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK for people of all ages.