In this fun demonstration, a peeled potato shaped like a candle and topped with a burning almond slice looks just like a real candle.

- Peel and cut a potato into a cylinder (like a candle). - Score a small groove in the top to hold the “wick.” - Insert a sliver of almond into the groove. - Light the almond with a lighter or match. - Present the burning “candle” to students and have them share their *observations* (e.g., “it has a flame,” “it looks like a candle”). - Ask for *inferences* (e.g., “it must be a real candle”). - Blow out the almond flame, wait about 10 seconds, then let students examine the object up close.

Edible candle - Questacon:

📄 Edible candle - University of Waterloo: https://uwaterloo.ca/chem13-news-magazine/september-2017/feature/edible-candle#:~:text=In%20this%20demonstration%2C%20a%20peeled,and%20make%20observations%20about%20it.

- If almond allergies are a concern, use a small piece of white card instead of almond (it will burn briefly). - Try using other nuts that have high oil content. - Ask students to predict what might happen if you relight the almond multiple times.

- Only teachers should handle the knife and open flame. - Check for nut allergies before using almond. - Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of sand nearby. - Allow almond to cool before letting students handle it.

- What observations did you make about the object? - What inferences did you draw from those observations? - Were your inferences correct? Why or why not? - How can we improve our observations in future experiments?