The Science of Candles

The Science of Candles 🕯️ | Little Roots Science Mini-Study

What actually happens when a candle burns?

In this cozy, hands-on Little Roots mini-study, children explore the fascinating science behind wax, wicks, light, heat, shadows, and combustion — all in a gentle, age-appropriate way designed for young learners.

Children will discover how wax becomes fuel for a flame, how a wick carries melted wax through capillary action, what a flame needs to keep burning, and how light creates shadows. They'll also complete a child-safe light investigation using a flashlight or battery-operated candle — no real flame required.

Inside this 6-page mini-study:

• Parts of a candle + labeling activity
• How a candle burns
• Wax, wicks & capillary action
• Physical vs. chemical changes
• Light, heat & flame science
• The fire triangle
• Child-safe light & shadow investigation
• Transparent, translucent & opaque exploration
• Candle safety activity
• Little Roots Candle Scientist certificate
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🍂 Designed for ages 2–9 with simple learning for little ones and extensions for older learners.

Perfect for fall science, cozy-season learning, Halloween studies, homeschool, morning baskets, or simply answering the question: How does a candle actually work?