There might not be a butcher or baker, but you'll have a class full of candlestick makers after a hands-on lesson about candles make from beeswax. After a brief history of where beeswax comes from, young artisans craft their own candlesticks by repeatedly dipping wicks into hot wax. 

Concepts

candles, pollinators, bees

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Type up the prompts for reflection and have class members respond to them before having a whole-group discussion
• Invite parent volunteers to help manage the process

Classroom Considerations

• The following materials are necessary for the outdoor activity: beeswax, portable burner, double boiler, wicks, and a pot holder
• Ensure a protocol for handling hot beeswax is in place before, during, and after the lesson is implemented
• The plan suggests testing out the candle-making process prior to having learners do it

Pros

• The five-page packet includes the lesson procedures, links for helpful websites, and images of learners with completed wax candles
• The final products will all have varying shapes and sizes, and appear unique in their own way

Cons

• Requires a lot of preparation and safety management

Common Core

SL.5.1.a SL.5.4