Sci Fi: Playing with Fire

 

 

After we spent the week learning fire safety, we felt it appropriate to play with fire, in the name of science.

The first science experiment demonstrated the Fire Triangle; the three things needed to make a successful fire being oxygen, fuel and heat. Once one of those is removed, the fire is no longer successful. We demonstrated this by lighting three tea lights and placing a different size jar over each. The kids predicted correctly. The smallest jar, containing the least amount of oxygen was the first tea light to burn out. They followed in order, according to size.

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The second fire science activity was called the See Saw and admittedly, it was not my invention. The results of this activity were fantastic and only required a few simple tools from around the house. A taper candle was called for, but since we had none on hand, birthday candles worked well and fitted in with the other theme of the week; birthdays!

You require: sewing needle, birthday candle, two tea lights (we added these to collect wax), two small cups (we have a mini tea set that worked well). Lightly heat the sewing needle so you can push it easily through the birthday candle center. Hold it steady until the wax hardens again and holds it in place. Remove wax from the bottom of the birthday candle to expose the wick on both ends. Rest the needle across two cups. Place tea lights under each end of the birthday candle. Light both ends of the birthday candle. As the tip of the candle fills with wax, it will dip down and release the wax. Coincidentally, having the tea light there, put the candle out briefly, only to light it again!