Download the PDF below to print and follow along from home.
Duration: 30 minutes
Outcomes:
What you need
Learning environment
The experiment should preferably be carried out outside in a place with no flammable materials like gas or petrol.
Note: 1. Select a candle that fits in the glass comfortably.
2. Supervise kids closely and blow out the candle when done.
Question to consider
If we are to cover a candle with a glass, do you think it can continue burning?
Instructions
Deductions/ thoughts
Encourage the child to make deductions based on the experiment
Questions
Observation: The candle goes out after a few seconds.
Explanation:
Oxygen is a requirement for burning to occur. When you place a glass over the burning candle, oxygen supply is limited. This explains why, after sometime, when the oxygen is depleted, the candle goes out. The next big question is, why did the level of water inside the glass rise? It rises because of two main reasons:
Applications
Burning requires oxygen gas. Fire extinguishers deprive the flames and burning agents of oxygen. That’s how they put out fire.
Key words: combustion, oxygen
Key concepts: combustion, gases in the air around us.
Resources for further reading/ exploration:
Thank you!
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