🔥 STEAM Candle Pouring Experience

Title: "The Science & Art of Candle Making"

Target Age Group: Homeschoolers K–8 (activities scaffolded by age group)

Duration:

• 1-day workshop (2.5–3 hours total) or

• Multi-day series (5 sessions, 45–60 min each)
  
  

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this experience, students will:

• Understand states of matter and phase changes (Science)

• Explore safe temperature measurement and tool usage (Technology)

• Design and pour their own candle using a mold (Engineering & Art)

• Create custom scent and color combinations (Art & Chemistry)

• Measure, estimate, and calculate ratios (Math)
  
  

🧪 STEAM Breakdown

🧬 SCIENCE

Topic: States of Matter & Melting Points
Activity:

• Demonstrate wax in solid form.

• Melt wax and observe phase change.

• Discuss how temperature affects the state of matter.

• Optional extension: Test different wax types (soy, paraffin, beeswax).
  
  

• Vocabulary: solid, liquid, gas, melting point, temperature, combustion, fragrance, density.

💻 TECHNOLOGY

Topic: Tools of the Trade
Activity:

• Learn about thermometers, heat plates, scales, and pour pitchers.

• Students record temperature data of melting wax.

• Explore safety procedures (heat-safe tools, PPE, cleanup process).

Optional Tech Extension (Grades 6–8):

• Use a temperature graphing app or spreadsheet to chart wax temp over time.
  
  

🏗️ ENGINEERING

Topic: Design & Build
Activity:

• Choose a vessel and prepare the wick.

• Discuss wick positioning and adhesion.

• Explore how vessel shape affects burn time and melt pool.
  
  

🎨 ART

Topic: Color & Scent Blending
Activity:

• Use a color wheel to choose candle colors.

• Create scent profiles by blending 2–3 fragrance oils.

• Design a custom label with candle name and theme.

Creative Prompt:
“What does your candle smell like? Name it and design a label that matches the mood.”

➗ MATH

Topic: Measurement, Volume & Ratios
Activity:

• Measure wax weight per container.

• Convert from ounces to grams (older students).

• Mix color or fragrance in specific ratios (e.g., 6% fragrance load).

• Predict burn time based on size/weight.

Optional Math Challenge (Grades 4–8):

• Calculate cost per candle using raw material prices.
  
  

🧩 Lesson Plan Options

Option 2: One-Day Workshop (3 Hours)

1. Intro & Safety (15 min)

2. Science of Wax (30 min)

3. Tech & Tools Demo (15 min)

4. Wick + Vessel Engineering (30 min)

5. Color & Scent Creation (30 min)

6. Candle Pouring! (30 min)

7. Label Making & Wrap-Up (30 min)
   
   

Focus Activities

Science Explore wax types, melting, and safety

Tech & Math Use thermometers, scales, and measure wax

Engineering Prepare containers, wicks, and molds

Art Design a glass vessel & custom labels

Pour + Present Pour candles and present final products

📝 Extensions & Assessment Ideas

• Journal prompt: “What did I learn about wax and heat?”

• Math exit ticket: Solve for how much wax is needed for 3 candles.

• STEAM badge system: Award stickers or digital badges per domain.

• Science connection extension: Candle combustion and fire safety.
  
  

🧰 Materials List (Per Student)

• 1 candle vessel (glass or tin)

• Soy or beeswax (~6–8 oz)

• Wick + sticker/tab

• Fragrance oils (2–3 options)

• Wax dye or chips

• Pouring pitcher (shared)

• Thermometer

• Safety gloves or aprons

• Paper for label design

• Markers, crayons, glue