The "screaming jelly baby", "the growling gummy bear", "dancing gummy bear" or "instant fire" in America is a simple demonstration of the oxidising power of the substance potassium chlorate.


A small amount of potassium chlorate is placed in a borosilicate boiling tube and heated until molten. The boiling tube, clamped at an approximate 45° angle and aimed at a shield, then has a jelly baby placed using tongs at the opening. The jelly baby slides down into the molten potassium chlorate and the oxidation reaction starts immediately.