Candle

One thing I love about homeschooling is the creativity the children get the opportunity to exercise.  For his birthday last week, Simon wanted candle wicks–his current interest (at least, one of his current interests!) is making candles.  The wicks came today, and he wanted to try out an oil lamp, like people used in Bible times.  I gave a tiny bit of direction–and permission–and he did the work.  He used a large mussel shell, filled it with cooking oil, and submerged a wick in it.  It works!  I wasn’t sure what would happen when he lit it, so made him try it outside on a metal pan, and had a tub of baking soda close.  No problem–it burned perfectly and safely.

Update:  Several minutes after I posted this, someone went outside and noticed the cats lapping up the oil!  So, if you try this, don’t leave it where your cats can reach it.