Hot Air Rises

The Action

Heat rising from a candle causes an aluminum coil to turn.

Grade Level

Grade 1 - Motion

Materials

Small candles (possibly birthday candles)

Candle holders

Needle and thread

Aluminum foil

Matches

Instructions

Make a "wind snake" by cutting the aluminum foil in a circular pattern (see picture).

Suspend the snakes from the ceiling on a thread so they are approximately 25 cm from the tabletop.

Light the candle and place it on the table directly below the wind snake.

Safety

Students must be made aware of the danger involved when using candles.

Science Principle

Hot air rises and as a result, the candle heats the air under the snake. The snake begins to turn as a result of the warm air rising and following the pattern of the coil.

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