Activity: I did this as part of a Year 5/6 topic on light and it served as an introduction to the unit. Each child (or pair) is given a small night light, the ones with metal bases are ideal. They are set a challenge: to come up with over 50/75 different observations about candles lit and unlit. They start with unlit candles, and I set them a target of 15-20 observations. Once they seem to have covered all aspects - smell, taste, feel, weight (one child described the base as aerodynamic - can't argue with that one) - you move around the class and light the candles. This different stimlus will encourage a great many different types of observations. (The task seems dull and overwhelming, but I have done with different children in very different schools and it captivates them!)

Plenary: There is healthy competition to reach 75 or more. I had prizes for the first three.

Extension: In design and technology we designed candle holders with draft excluders that gave maximum light and maximum protection from drafts.