Shine bright like magnesium oxide

Aim: Demonstrate a reaction between a metal and oxygen by burning a magnesium strip over a flame.

Equipment:

• Stip of magnesium
• Bunsen burner
• Safety glasses (preferably tinted)
• Metal scissor tongs

Method:

1. Light your bunsen burner.
2. Hold your piece of magnesium in the scissor tongs. Ensure you are holding onto the very tip of the magnesium.
3. Place the other end of the magnesium into the bunsen blue flame (at the top of the blue flame).
4. When the magnesium begins to burn remove from flame, do not look directly at the light (unless with tinted safety glasses). This is because the light emitted from the metal can permanently damage your eyes.

Observations:

The magnesium once removed from the flame begins to burn bright for 3 - 6 seconds. The light is extremely bright and hurts your eyes even with tinted glasses.

Results:
It worked and we were able to witness a reaction between oxygen and metal

Discussion 

The light appears because of the combination of heat and magnesium producing heat. This heat causes the magnesium to give off light through heat energy which is also how the sun produces light. What' left is a white ashy substance is known as magnesium oxide and the speed of the reaction depends on how hot the flame is. 

Unfortunately, I do not have any photos as it would be too difficult when I'm trying to avoid having my eyes burnt out.

Update: I stole Jessica's photo