Boredom killer suggestions
 

my friends and i are all very interested in pyrotechnics, innovative weapons(meant for destroying inanimate objects, we aren't sadists). However, we really have no background in engineering(would this even be considered engineering?) or chemistry. Does anyone know of any websites to explain basic construction of tools and basic chemistry(preferably explosive reactions)? We really would like to keep anyone from getting hurt, and safety is our #2 priority(our #1 is to get rid of boredom on summer nights). We somewhat have alot of space (1 acre) to experiment. So if anyone can direct me, give me information, or suggest projects, please add some input. Lets also try to keep the 'burning babies' type of response out of this. I'm looking for direction, not newb flaming.

Thanks :p

well, two things come to mind that can be fun.
Potato Cannons and Roman Candles... if you make a good Potato Cannon out of Piping you could launch a potato 100s of feet using a can of hairspray, if thats too much work, just shoot roman candles at each other, always fun.. till someone loses an eye.

http://www.angelfire.com/wy/potato/ skimmed through it seems to be right.

2-liter water powered bottle rockets...

Non flammable, but still fun...

Only catch is the launcher, but you can find them online for ~$30-$40...

http://www.lnhs.org/hayhurst/rockets/

Beyond the suggestions offered (spud guns are fun) please don't go playing mad scientist. As a former paramedic, I've picked up what was left of experimenters, and can guarantee that there's no CTRL+Z after the huge KFB.