If you’re looking for a fun and easy science experiment to do with your kids, look no further than the candle in a jar experiment. Not only is this experiment simple to do, but it also teaches kids about air pressure and how it affects the things around us. This is a great way to get your kids interested in science in a more hands-on and fun way.

What You’ll Need for the Experiment

The supplies you’ll need for this experiment are all relatively inexpensive and easy to find. All you need is a candle, a jar with a lid, a match or lighter, and a piece of paper. You can substitute the jar for any type of container that can hold the candle and be sealed with a lid, such as a mason jar or a small Tupperware container.

Setting Up the Experiment

Once you have all your supplies, the next step is to set up the experiment. Start by putting the candle in the jar and lighting it with a match or lighter. Once the candle is lit, place the lid on the jar and make sure it’s sealed tightly. Once the lid is on, take the piece of paper and fold it in half. Then, place the folded paper under the lid so that the edges of the paper are touching the rim of the jar.

Observing the Experiment

At this point, you should be able to observe the changes that are taking place. As the candle burns, it produces smoke and hot air. This air is then trapped inside the jar because of the lid. As a result, the air pressure inside the jar increases and causes the paper to be pushed up against the lid. This is due to the air pressure being greater on the inside of the jar than it is on the outside.

Explaining the Results

Once the experiment is finished, you can explain the results to your kids. Explain to them that the air pressure inside the jar was greater than the air pressure outside, so the paper was pushed up against the lid. This is a great way for kids to learn about air pressure and how it affects the things around us. You can also use this experiment to introduce them to the concept of the atmosphere and its role in our everyday lives.

Variations of the Experiment

Once your kids have mastered the basic candle in a jar experiment, you can try some variations. You can try different types of containers, such as a plastic bottle or a sealed box. You can also use different types of materials in place of the paper, such as a piece of cloth or a balloon. These variations will help your kids better understand the concept of air pressure and how it works.

Conclusion

The candle in a jar experiment is a great way to introduce your kids to the concept of air pressure and how it affects the things around us. It’s a fun and easy experiment that your kids can do with minimal supplies and supervision. Not only will it help kids learn about science, but it’s also a great way to get them interested in science in a more hands-on and fun way.