The weather is getting colder, and winter is almost here! With snow on the ground, one of our favorite things to do is sit by the fireplace. We love drinking hot chocolate, telling stories, and roasting marshmallows. It’s so warm and cozy!
But remember, we have important rules about being near fires. We should never get too close to a fire or play with matches or the stove. It’s important to stay safe!
Some of you have asked why fire is so hot. That’s a great question! Fire is hot because it gives off energy. Energy is what makes things move and change. For example, when we eat food, we get energy to play and grow. Heat is a type of energy, too. That’s why we get warm when we run around a lot.
When something burns, like wood in a fireplace, it changes. It starts as regular wood and turns black, sometimes breaking into smaller pieces called charcoal. As the wood changes, it uses energy and gives off heat. This process is called combustion, which is just a fancy word for burning.
For something to burn, three things are needed:
Once a fire starts, the fuel burns and gives off much more heat than it started with. But when all the fuel is burned up, the fire goes out because there’s nothing left to change and give off heat.
Now you know why fire is hot: it’s because it gives off energy! Isn’t that amazing? Thanks for learning with us. If you have more questions about the world around you, you can visit our website with the help of a grown-up. See you next time!
Fire Experiment with Adult Supervision: With the help of an adult, observe a small candle flame. Notice how the candle wax melts and the flame gives off heat. Discuss with the adult what you see happening. What do you think is the fuel in this experiment? How does the flame change the candle wax?
Energy Hunt: Go on a hunt around your home or classroom to find things that give off energy. Make a list or draw pictures of what you find. Can you find something that gives off heat like a fire does? How about something that uses energy to move, like a toy car?
Story Time Reflection: Think about a time when you felt warm, like sitting by a fire or running around outside. Draw a picture of that moment and write a sentence about how the warmth made you feel. Share your picture and story with a friend or family member.
