Candle Activity

Purpose: Students will learn to tell the difference between an observation and an inference.  Students will then use their lists of observations and inferences to come up with a data table, hypotheses and conclusions.

Materials:
Pie tin, clay, various jar sizes, various candles sizes,
Various liquids(vegetable oil, dishwashing soap, etc…)
Markers, thermometers, matches or lighters

4

Using the internet, find the definition of a scientific observation.

2

Where do we get our scientific observations?

4

Using the internet, find the definition of a scientific inference.

2

Where do we get our inferences?

Procedure:
 Place the piece of clay in the center of the pie tin and push the candle into the clay.
 Fill the container with water and pour the water from the jar into the pie tin and light the candle.<Take a picture before proceeding see #5>
 Place the jar over the candle and into the water.  Make observations.<Take a picture before proceeding see #6>
 Repeat the process, but do not light the candle.
 Repeat the process of lighting the candle a few more times.
 Record all observations and inferences and record them in the table/paper.

5

Take a picture of your set up after step 2 before you continue to step 3.

5

Take a picture of your set up after step 3 before you continue to step 4.

Questions to think about as you perform the experiment:
--Does the water raise the same height each time?
--Any interactions between air and water?
--What interactions are occurring between the flame and the candle/wax?
--What interactions are occurring between the flame and the air?
--Is everyone’s set-up doing the same thing?

10

Make a list of observations of the experiment, provide a picture of your list.

10

Make a list of inferences of the experiment, provide a picture of your list.

5

Take a picture of another groups list of observations.

5

Take a picture of another groups list of inferences.

6

Give 2-3 examples of observations which were the same on both lists.

6

Give 1 example of an inference which were the same on both lists.

10

-As time allows: You can explore your own set-up a bit more after they have seen some of their classmates’ bowls. You are going to change one variable in the experiment. Variables include: candles, jar, liquid, and amount of liquid.

6

Take a picture of a list of any new observations/inferences for this activity based on your changes.

10

Using the internet, find the definition of a scientific observation.

Where do we get our scientific observations?

Using the internet, find the definition of a scientific inference.

Where do we get our inferences?

Take a picture of your set up after step 2 before you continue to step 3.

Take a picture of your set up after step 3 before you continue to step 4.

Make a list of observations of the experiment, provide a picture of your list.

Make a list of inferences of the experiment, provide a picture of your list.

Take a picture of another groups list of observations.

Take a picture of another groups list of inferences.

Give 2-3 examples of observations which were the same on both lists.

Give 1 example of an inference which were the same on both lists.

-As time allows: You can explore your own set-up a bit more after they have seen some of their classmates’ bowls. You are going to change one variable in the experiment. Variables include: candles, jar, liquid, and amount of liquid.

Take a picture of a list of any new observations/inferences for this activity based on your changes.

What is you and your partners final conclusion on what is happening inside the container?