High Energy Density Materials: A laboratory and literature investigation (Christe)
The synthesis of the nitrogen triiodide ammoniate shock-sensitive explosive is a simple laboratory exercise, but it does require a lengthy time for the material to dry before it is active. This activity uses that time to have students investigate some simple thermodynamics behind their explosive, as well as consult the literature on high energy density materials from the work of Karl O. Christe.
There is also a shorter version of the activity posted as an in-class activity that omits most of the literature investigation.