Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the principles of candle reactions to perfume in a jar placed in a tray of water. They will learn about the science behind combustion, diffusion, and the interaction between different substances, while also engaging in a hands-on experiment.

Materials and Prep

• A candle
• A jar with a lid
• Perfume or scented oil
• A tray filled with water

Before starting the lesson, ensure that you have a safe workspace and that the student understands basic safety rules when handling candles and flammable materials. Discuss the importance of supervision during the experiment.

Activities

• Introduction to Candles:

  Begin with a discussion about how candles work. Explain the process of combustion and how the wick draws up wax to fuel the flame. This sets the stage for understanding the experiment.

• Setting Up the Experiment:

  Guide the student to place the candle in the center of the tray filled with water. Then, have them carefully pour a small amount of perfume into the jar and place it upside down over the candle. Observe what happens!

• Observation and Discussion:

  Encourage the student to observe the candle's reaction after the jar is placed over it. Discuss how the scent interacts with the flame and the water. What do they notice about the flame and the air inside the jar?

• Reflection and Learning:

  Have the student write down their observations and thoughts about the experiment. What surprised them? What did they learn about how candles react to different scents?

Talking Points

• "What do you think happens when we light the candle? Let's observe the flame closely."
• "Notice how the scent from the perfume interacts with the air inside the jar. Can you smell it?"
• "Why do you think the candle goes out when we cover it with the jar? What is happening to the oxygen?"
• "How does the water in the tray help us observe the reaction? What role does it play in this experiment?"
• "What other scents do you think would change the candle's reaction? Let's brainstorm some ideas!"