candle carousels They date back to the 19th century and originated in Germany. It is believed that they were inspired by windmills. The first versions were very simple, but over time they became more elaborate with multiple levels. Today, candle carousels are found all over the world as decoration.
The basic structure of a carousel candle is a central column with rotating blades on top. The candles are located under the blades that rotate when lit.
How do candle carousels work?
When candles are lit, they heat the air around them. The hot air rises and pushes the blades tilted to the sides, making them spin like a carousel.
this mini candle carousel scientific project demonstrates convectionforces and movement.
The heat from the burning candles warms the air above them. Hot air is less dense than cold air and rises, creating a current as the warm air rises, cools, and falls.
The hot air current pushes the inclined blades and pushes them to the sides. This creates a rotation forcespinning the carousel.
How to make a candle carousel.
Small candles, a wooden skewer, play dough, and kitchen paper can be used to make a basic dish. candle carousel. The aluminum blades will rotate when the candles are lit.
THIS ACTIVITY REQUIRES ADULT SUPERVISION
You will need to
Scissors
kitchen paper
Clay
wooden skewer
heat resistant plate
Four small candles
Candle Carousel Instructions
Fold a sheet of kitchen paper in half and cut it to form a square of about 15cm x 15cm.
Mark the center point of the square.
Fold the aluminum foil in half and then open it again.
Fold the aluminum foil in half to the other side and open it again.
Fold diagonally in both directions and open again.
Carefully cut along each fold line to about 1cm from the center point.
Fold a triangle shape along each cut line and fold it in half to create a slanted leaf.
Place a ball of playdough on the heatproof plate and push it down.
Insert the skewer into the playdough and balance the aluminum foil spinner on top.
Place four nightlight candles around the skewer.
Light the candles (ask an adult) and watch the aluminum foil spin!
If the foil falls off, place a small segment of straw in the center to hold it on the skewer. You may have to use tape to secure the straw, as we found the glue melted!
Never leave candles unattended and blow them out when you are finished.
Make it an investigation
Remember to change only one variable for an investigation.
Change the shape or angle of the blades.
Experiment with more and fewer candles.
Change the position of the candles.
More ideas to learn about convection
TO convection snake It's a beautiful visual demonstration of how warm air rises and cold air takes its place.
Another way to demonstrate a convection current It is using food coloring and hot and cold water in a vase. The warm red water rises in the cold water.
Scientific concepts
Convection
Heat
Force
Energy
Last updated on April 30, 2024 by Emma Vanstone
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