Enduring Glow Challenge
Discover the science behind keeping a flame burning with minimal resources, just like the story of Hanukkah. Design and build your own simple oil lamp, then observe how different materials affect its burn time. This activity requires adult supervision for handling open flames.
The lesson goal is learners will understand the basic principles of how an oil lamp works by designing and building their own using everyday materials. They will investigate how different components affect burn time, connecting these scientific observations to the Hanukkah story's themes of resourcefulness and making the most of what you have.
What You Need
Missing something? Don't let it stop you. The app offers easy alternatives for every item you have at home.
Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction: The Festival of Lights3 Min
- Ask about Hanukkah or other light celebrations.
- Move on when Student engages with the concept of light and fuel, and shows curiosity about how a flame stays lit.
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan: Designing Our Lamps7 Min
- Lay out all materials for inspection.
- Ask: "What do you think a wick needs to do to make a flame last?"
- Ask: "Which of these wick materials do you predict will work best, and why?"
- Move on when Student identifies potential wick materials, makes a prediction about burn time, and explains their reasoning.
- 3
Discussion: The Secret of the Wick6 Min
- Explain capillary action with a simple demo if possible.
- Define 'fuel source' and ask them to identify it.
- Ask: "How does capillary action help the oil burn?"
- Ask: "Which wick material will use capillary action best?"
- Move on when Student can explain capillary action and fuel source in simple terms, identifying them in the context of the oil lamp.
Photo by Bruna Pereira on Pexels - 4
Activity: Building and Testing Our Lasting Lights10 Min
- Help cut wick materials and shape foil holders.
- Carefully pour oil into containers, filling about halfway.
- Place wicks in foil holders and position in oil.
- Adult lights lamps, then start timer for each.
- Observe and record burn times for all lamps.
- Move on when Student successfully constructs at least one oil lamp, safely lights it with adult supervision, and begins observing its burn time.
Photo by Roshan Kumara on Pexels - 5
Summary: The Miracle of Lasting Light4 Min
- Ask: "Which wick lasted the longest, and why do you think so?"
- Ask: "How is making a small light last like the Hanukkah story?"
- Ask: "What's one thing you learned about making things last?"
- Move on when Student shares an observation from the activity and reflects on the connection to the Hanukkah story or the concept of making resources last.
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Personalize The Spark
Add a twist your child will love, and we'll email you a printable guide made just for them. New to Mai? We'll set you up with a free 30-day guest pass so you can open it in the app.