The Candle Activity compromises a series of activities and demonstrations to help students connect the history of chemistry with an important lecture series by Michael Faraday on the history of the candle. [1]
On the first day of class the teacher should ask students to observe a candle. The teacher should explain that the candle is a great model for learning about chemistry. The students should avoid inferences and conclusions, only recording observations. Teachers should help remind students that observations begin with the five senses. Many students struggle with writing more than 5 or so observations.
On the second day, students are given their own candle to light and observe. This time, the teacher suggests the student observe the area around the wick, the flame, and the wax. Many students will start to notice the distance between the flame and wax. Also prompt students to look at the different colors. Students should turn in at least 20 observations recorded on their piece of paper.
Download Observation List
List of Possible Candle Observations
Possible Student Prompts
How does a candle 'function'?
Make observations before you light it, while it is lit, and after the flame is extinguished
When a lit match is brought close to smoke coming from the wick, what happens? What is your hypothesis?
What is a wick and how does it function?
References
- ↑ Fordham University. The Chemical History of A Candle, 1860. retrieved August 9, 2011 from http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1860Faraday-candle.asp.
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