Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will understand the basic concepts of fire and its properties in relation to chemistry.
Materials and Prep
- Safety goggles
- A candle or a lighter
- A metal spoon
- A glass of water
- A piece of paper
- A fire extinguisher (optional)
Make sure to have a safe and well-ventilated area for conducting the experiments. Adult supervision is highly recommended.
Activities
- Introduction to Fire: Begin by discussing what fire is and its importance in our daily lives. Explain that fire is a chemical reaction called combustion, which occurs when a fuel source combines with oxygen and heat.
- Observing Fire: Safely light a candle or use a lighter to create a small controlled flame. Observe the flame and discuss its characteristics, such as color, shape, and movement. Explain that different materials produce different colored flames.
- Burning Paper: Hold a piece of paper with a pair of tongs and carefully light it using the candle flame. Observe the paper as it burns and discuss the changes that occur. Emphasize that the paper is the fuel in this reaction.
- Extinguishing Fire: Show the student how to safely extinguish a flame using a glass of water. Discuss the importance of having proper fire safety measures in place and the role of water in putting out fires.
- Fire and Heat: Heat a metal spoon over the flame and observe what happens. Discuss how heat is transferred from the flame to the spoon and how metals conduct heat.
Fourth Grade Talking Points
- "Fire is a chemical reaction called combustion."
- "Combustion occurs when a fuel source combines with oxygen and heat."
- "Different materials produce different colored flames."
- "Burning paper is an example of combustion, where the paper acts as the fuel."
- "Water can be used to extinguish fires by removing heat and suffocating the flames."
- "Metals conduct heat, which is why the spoon gets hot when placed over the flame."