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White, Red & Blue Candle Science Projects

Though candles may be seen as simple household products, they also provide a number of great ways to learn about science. Candles can help teach simple lessons about chemistry and physics, such as how the chemical composition of the candle affects its flame, or why the flame always points upward. There are plenty of science experiments you can conduct using candles. For example, you can determine if there is correlation between the color of the candle and how it burns. Remember to take appropriate precautions since you will be dealing with open flames, and always make sure adult supervision is present.

First Steps
- Before you begin any experiment with candles, try to eliminate as many variables as possible. Cut the wicks to equal lengths. Make sure to purchase all of your candles from the same manufacturer and use scent-free candles. When preparing to burn your candles, make sure they are placed in an area free of moving air or drafts.
Color Vs. Burn Rate
- One experiment you can perform is to see if the color of the candle affects the rate at which the candle burns. This is a simple and easy project anyone can perform. Take a red candle, a white candle and a blue candle and place them next to each other. Mark a horizontal line across each candle about 1/2 inch below the lip of the candle. Make a second line 2 inches below the first line. Light the candle, and observe it as it burns. When it burns down to the first line, start a stopwatch. Stop the timer when the flame reaches the second line. Repeat these steps for each color, and record your observations. Alternatively, you can burn each candle for a specified amount of time, such as 5 minutes each. Weigh the candle before you light it and then again after it has burned. If there are differences in the weight, they will indicate different burn rates.
Color Vs. Flame Height
- Another easy experiment you can conduct is to determine if the color of the candle affects the height of the flame. To do this experiment, all you will need are a clamp stand, a ruler and three candles of each color in red, white and blue. Attach your ruler to your clamp stand. Place your candle in front of the ruler and light it. Use the ruler to measure the height of the flame. Take a picture as evidence of your data, and record the height of the flame for each candle.
Record and Repeat
- Always record your data in a log so you can refer back to it later when you report your results. It is always a good idea to repeat the process at least three times for each variable you are testing -- in this case, color -- to eliminate the possibility of any anomalies or mistakes you may have made. Practice safety at all times, especially since you are dealing with open flames.

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