Menorahs and the Scientific Process

Over the past few weeks, Kohavim has begun exploring Chanukah. We have read many books about the Chanukah story, listened to Chanukah music, and have even begun playing dreidel! Last week, the teachers put out an interesting object (seen above in the photographs). Through their exploration of this material it became apparent how the children are engaging with the scientific method.

We asked the children what they noticed about this material. After observing the object, The children immediately identified it as a menorah, but were unsure about where the candles were. They noticed eight small containers of liquid and one candle. They decided the candle must be the shamesh or helper candle, but were unclear about the containers of liquid. They began to hypothesize about the liquid.  Some children thought it might be wax left behind from candles, it might be fire, or even apple juice!

Today, we investigated the menorah together on the rug during our second meeting. When the children explained that this object was a menorah, the teachers asked, "how do we light this menorah?" They suggested we put the candles in. But, when the teachers tried to stick the candles in the menorah they fell right off! Comparing this menorah to another chanukiah we had in the classroom, they exclaimed, "There are no holes for the candles!"

They then suggested taking the yellow caps off of the small plastic containers so they could closely examine them. Comparing the containers to the candles, they noticed both had wicks. They suggested we experiment. We would try lighting the wick of the candle and the wick of the small liquid containers.  As we lit one of wicks in the small containers the children watched carefully. Suddenly, a child explained, "It must be oil cause it's still burning!" The children referenced stories we had been reading about Chanukah and remembered how the oil lasted for eight days. Though some children concluded it could be oil in the menorah, not everyone is convinced. Just as scientists use the scientific method to find answers to their questions and solve problems, the Kohavim children are using it to find answers to their questions: What is inside this Menorah? And how do get this menorah to light? Now that we have drawn a possible conclusion that it might be oil, we may need a new hypothesis to confirm! Stay tuned to find out how we get to the bottom of this unique menorah and how it works!