The Coin and Candle Experiment
This simple yet fun experiment can be a challenge for younger (and, in some cases, older) minds, but it’s always fun to give it a go and see what happens - and why.
What You Need
- A saucer
- Water
- A coin - we used an NZ ten cent piece here
- An empty/clean jar
- A candle - a small but wide aromatherapy candle is good. It needs to be able to stand up on its own
- Matches/lighter. If you are doing it with younger kids, adult supervision is advised.
Preparations
Place the coin on the saucer, then fill the saucer with enough water to cover the coin. There should be no way of touching the coin without getting wet at this moment.
Goal
The problem facing you is this: how to get the coin from out of the water, while not getting your hands wet from dipping straight in and picking it out. You’ve got the tools listed above to help you… and no, you can’t just use the candle to slide the coin out of the saucer like my girls did.
Solution
- Light the candle and place it in the water
- While the candle is lit, place the jar over the top so that the water makes a seal around it.
- Wait and see what happens.
And for a live demonstration, watch my video of it, complete with my “awesome” voiceovers.
2 Comments »
Leave a Comment
This is a cool experiment, but seriously, why can’t you just get your hands a lil’ wet
U dun understand meh!!!