• Candles are made out of wax with a wick placed inside to be lit. They are used to provide light or serve as a decorative accent. Candles that are similar in shape or size may not burn at the same rate. Science projects that use candles look at variables that influence how long a candle will last.
  
  

Candle Colors

• The "Candle Colors" science project is conducted to determine if the color of a candle will influence how fast it burns. Set up five different colored candles that are several inches apart. The candles should be the same brand and size. Measure 1 inch from the top of each candle, then draw a line. Light any of the candles and use a stopwatch to time how long it takes for the candle to burn down to the line. Record that time on a piece of paper, and repeat the process for each remaining candle. Compare the results to see if a specific color burned faster than the others.
  
  

Wax Hardness

• The "Wax Hardness" project involves making candles of different hardness ranges, then lighting them to determine if the hardest candles burn slower. To make the candles, melt 1/4 cup of wax and 1/2 tsp. of hardener in a pan. Place the mixture in a candle mold and put a wick inside of the mixture, leaving 1/2 inch above the top of the mixture to be used to burn the candle. Record on a label the amount of hardener that was used, and put it under the mold. Repeat this process twice, doubling the amount of hardener used each time. When the candles cool down, line them up 3 inches apart. Light one candle and time how long it takes to burn completely. Record the results along with how much hardener was used in that candle. Repeat the process for the last two candles, and compare the results to determine if the amount of hardener in the candle made a difference in how fast it burned.
  
  

Candle Freeze

• The purpose of the "Candle Freeze" science project is to compare the burn rates of a frozen candle and a candle stored at room temperature. Put a candle in the freezer for eight hours, then place another candle in an area where there is no sunlight, such as on a countertop or a kitchen table. Later, place the two candles 2 inches apart, then light the frozen candle and use a stopwatch to time how long it takes to burn down. Record the results. Repeat the process with the room-temperature candle, and compare the results with the frozen candle.