Saturday, February 19, 2011

Science Sunday--The Science of Fire

Today we set out to learn all about fire---in a small way---with adult supervision of course.
I simply went to the cupboard to find the supplies for today's science.
2 small candles
2 different size jars
a bowl
water
food coloring
matches
First we discussed the fact that fire needs fuel and oxygen to burn.
We lit both candles, over one, place a jar.
The fire consumes the oxygen in the jar and the flame goes out.
Next we checked to see if a larger jar contained more oxygen than a small jar.
If the larger jar does contain more oxygen, the candle should burn longer.
We proved that that, yes, the larger jar contained more oxygen and stayed lit longer than the candle in the small jar.
The next experiment was the WOW factor of science day.
Place about a half inch of water in the bottom of a bowl.
Add some food coloring.
Place the candle into the center of the bowl, in the water.
We are going to see if oxygen takes up space.
Light the candle
and then place the jar over the candle.
If oxygen takes of space, and the fire burns the oxygen, something will take the place of the oxygen in the jar.
In this case, the water will take the place of the now gone oxygen.
The water actually rises in the jar as the flame goes out.
We all did say "wow"!
Notice the level of water on the candle.
Hooray!! Another experiment worked just like it was supposed too!!
Of course, everyone had to take a turn performing this amazing science experiment.
Science Sunday
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8 comments:

  1. Isn't it great when science experiments work out just the way they're supposed to? :0)

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  2. That's areally neat experiment that I wouldn't have thought of. I've included your post on my weekly favorites here: http://play2grow.blogspot.com/2011/02/weekly-favorites-for-february-20-2011.html

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  3. I remember doing that in junior high and it had Wow factor for a bunch of 6th graders.

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  4. We did an ocean bottle following your directions this week, and I'm going to tuck this experiment away to do soon.

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  5. What a great experiment with kids. Thank you for sharing!

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  6. Hi,
    I found this pinned via interest I like the water idea, that's one we've not tried.
    Have you tried using the same size jar and a tall and short candle (same diameter)? It is very interesting-the short candle stays lit for longer. It led to some very interesting discussion in our house about what is produced when something burns and what could be happening :0D. I did a quick google and to my surprise found this....
    http://misconceptions.science-book.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Chap2-1.pdf
    Rach

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