Objectives

1) Students will learn to recognize and identify the conditions necessary for burning.

Fire needs:

• fuel (something that will burn)
• oxygen (air)
• heat (enough to make the fuel burn)

2) Students will conduct scientific investigation, make observation, record data, and construct logical explanation.

Vocabulary

for Unit

Materials

2 candles

a clear glass or jar

ceramic plate

 matches

 Experiment worksheet.

Activities

1)Set up the experiment ahead of time. Place each candle inside a clear glass or jar number the candles # 1, #2

2)Introduce the experiment by explaining to the students that this activity will require them to observe and record their observations. They will observe and learn important information about oxygen and fire from the experiment.

3)Light candle #1 after a minute or so ask the students to record what they observe.

4)Light candle #2 and after a minute place the plate over it.  After the flame goes out ask the students to record what they observe.

Activities (cont.)

5)Discuss the experiment.  Why did candle #1 keep on burning as opposed to candle #2 that it's flame went out?

6)Introduce the fire triangle (fuel, oxygen & heat).  Tell the students that all three elements must be present in order for fire to exits. Help students conclude that candle #1 had fuel and oxygen and that candle #2's oxygen was taken away when you placed the plate over the flame.

7)Allow time for students to complete their conclusion on the worksheet.

Homework

Students complete a check list of potential fire hazards in their home.

Assessment

Student experiment observation worksheet

Extension

visit website

http://firesafety.buffnet.net./history.htm