The Action |
Blow out a candle by using nothing but an empty box! | ||
Grade Level |
Grade 2 - Air and Water | ||
Materials |
Empty shoe box
Birthday candle Matches Masking tape |
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Instructions |
Show an open, empty box to the students and ask, "What is in the box?" (Anticipated answer: nothing!) Make a small hole in the side of the box (about ½ cm in diameter) at the same height as the birthday candle to be used. Tape the top of the box shut. Light the birthday candle and place it 5 cm away from the box in front of the hole. Hit the box top (with an open hand) with a sudden tap. The lighting and snuffing of the candle may be repeated by repeating the above two steps. | ||
Safety |
Care must be taken as fire is involved so take precautions not to burn yourself. | ||
Hints |
If the candle doesn't snuff out with the first sudden tap on the top of the box, the box may be too far away from the candle. Simply, move the box a little closer (approx. 5 cm). | ||
Science Principle |
The shoebox is occupied with air and by tapping the top of it; the air was forced through the little hole, blowing the flame out, just like when we pucker up our lips to blow out a candle. By tapping the box, the volume of it suddenly becomes smaller for a short moment and this action forces the air out. This shows that air is occupying all the space around us, even in an empty box. | ||
Video Clip |
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