The Olympic flame is a special symbol of the Olympic Games, and it has a fascinating journey before it reaches the opening ceremony. Let’s explore how this flame is lit and how it travels around the world!
The journey of the Olympic flame begins in Olympia, Greece, which is the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. The flame is lit using a clever method involving the sun. A special mirror called a parabolic mirror focuses the sun’s rays to create enough heat to ignite the flame. This method is both traditional and environmentally friendly since it uses natural sunlight.
Once the flame is lit, it is placed in a torch, and the exciting torch relay begins. The torch travels all the way to the host city of the Olympic Games. The route is often scenic and adventurous, showcasing beautiful places around the world. For instance, the torch has been carried underwater at the Great Barrier Reef and even to the top of Mount Everest!
To make sure the flame stays lit during its journey, it is protected by high-tech containers. These containers are designed to withstand different weather conditions, but sometimes the flame still goes out. For example, during the relay to Sochi in 2014, the flame was reported to have been extinguished 44 times!
If the flame goes out, it is usually relit using a backup torch that was also lit in Olympia. However, there are times when this doesn’t happen. A famous incident occurred near the Kremlin before the Sochi Games when the wind blew out the flame. A quick-thinking security guard used his personal lighter to reignite it!
The tradition of the Olympic flame dates back to ancient Greece, where a sacred flame burned throughout the ancient Olympic Games. The modern Olympic torch relay was introduced in 1936, and since then, it has become a symbol of peace and unity, connecting people from all over the world.
Now you know how the Olympic flame stays lit and the incredible journey it takes to reach the Olympic Games. It’s a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the spirit of the Olympics!
Try making a simple parabolic mirror using household items like aluminum foil and a bowl. Use it to focus sunlight on a small piece of paper and observe what happens. This will help you understand how the Olympic flame is initially lit using the sun’s rays.
Imagine you are planning the torch relay for the next Olympic Games. Draw a map and mark the route the torch will take, including interesting landmarks or places it will visit. Share your route with the class and explain why you chose those locations.
Think about different weather conditions that might affect the Olympic flame. Design a container or device that could protect the flame from wind, rain, or snow. Present your design to the class and explain how it works.
With your classmates, organize a mini torch relay around the school. Assign roles such as torchbearers, security, and spectators. Use a homemade torch and practice passing it safely from one person to another, just like in the real Olympic relay.
Research more fun facts about the history of the Olympic flame and its journey. Create a short presentation or poster to share with the class, highlighting interesting stories or events from past Olympic Games.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
How does the Olympic flame stay lit? The Olympic torch relay starts in Olympia, where the flame is lit using the sun’s rays in a parabolic mirror. From there, the torch travels to the host city, often by a scenic route. It has been seen underwater at the Great Barrier Reef and on Mount Everest. There are all sorts of high-tech containers protecting the flame wherever it goes, but it can still get extinguished quite a few times. For example, it was reported to have been snuffed out 44 times on the route to Sochi in 2014. It’s usually rekindled with a backup torch also lit in Olympia, but even that doesn’t always happen. When the wind extinguished the flame near the Kremlin before the Sochi games, a security guard reignited it with his personal lighter.
Flame – The visible, glowing part of a fire, which is created when something burns. – The flame from the candle flickered gently as we talked about how fire can be both useful and dangerous.
Olympic – Related to the Olympic Games, a major international sports event that happens every four years. – The Olympic Games are a celebration of sports and unity, bringing together athletes from all over the world.
Sun – The star at the center of our solar system that provides light and heat to the Earth. – The sun is essential for life on Earth, as it provides the energy needed for plants to grow.
Heat – A form of energy that is transferred between objects with different temperatures. – When you rub your hands together quickly, you can feel the heat being generated.
Torch – A portable light source, often used in ceremonies or to light the way in dark places. – The Olympic torch is carried by runners in a relay to light the flame at the opening ceremony.
Relay – A race or event where team members take turns completing parts of the course or task. – In the relay race, each runner passed the baton to the next teammate until they crossed the finish line.
Journey – The act of traveling from one place to another, often involving learning and discovery. – Our journey through the forest taught us about different types of trees and animals.
Weather – The condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, including temperature, humidity, and wind. – The weather today is sunny and warm, perfect for a picnic outside.
Ignite – To catch fire or cause something to catch fire. – The teacher showed us how a spark can ignite a piece of paper, demonstrating how fire starts.
Ancient – Belonging to the very distant past, often thousands of years ago. – Ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians, used the sun to help them tell time and plan their farming.
