Potassium chlorate as a potential rocket fuel is nothing new, but it has some real limitations as a rocket propelant. Chlorate oxidizers find their real home in explosives and gunpowder.
But, no matter how you look at it, in science class potassium chlorate as the oxidizer mixed with sugar makes for great demonstration revealing the power of oxidizers when mixed with a fuel.
Check out this video from The Webb Schools (Claremont, CA) in which an AP chemistry class takes the oxidizing power of potassium chlorate, uses gummy bears as the other fuel and ads heat to begin the reaction.
As one student explains the ensuing reaction yields water, carbon dioxide, and potassium chloride water- something akin to the white vapor plume we see with a rocket launch.
Teacher Renee Wishek even gives an unreacted hydrocarbons/pollution explanation at the end.
