Equipment used to heat things in science.

Hot, clean flame used for heating, produced when the collar is open and more air/oxygen is added, dangerous as it cannot be seen easily.

Orange-coloured flame produced when collar is closed and less air/oxygen, cooler and dirtier than the blue flame, easier to see so safer.

Small metal collar turned to change from orange to blue flame, does not get hot.

Thin, long wooden piece of wood used to light Bunsen burners.

Bunsen burners

Science

In the Heating and cooling (physics) unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn how the motion of particles in solids, liquids and gases changes when they are heated, how thermal conduction and insulation work and why heating different materials doesn’t always increase their temperatures by the same amount. 

In Y4 of primary science, pupils learnt about ‘solids, liquids and gases’ and changes of state.

Solid, liquid, gas states and changes of state

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

What part of the Bunsen burner remains cool even when it is lit?

What colour is the flame when the collar of a Bunsen burner is open?

Fill in the blank: A {{}} is used to light a Bunsen burner.

Flame pointing downwards a little and shielded with the other hand

It should never be carried around the lab

Check the collar is in the closed position and the gas tap is off.

Use the nearest lit Bunsen burner to light the end of a splint. 

Walk to your unlit Bunsen burner at a safe speed.

Place your splint near the chimney. Your Bunsen should light an orange flame

Turn the collar to open the air hole to get a blue flame.

Arrange the following actions in the correct order when lighting a Bunsen burner.

Match each of the coloured flames to how open/closed the collar needs to be.

Why is it important to follow safety instructions in a science laboratory?

What general precaution should be taken when working near an open flame?

Which tool is commonly used to create a controlled flame in a laboratory?

What is a common object used to light a flame in the laboratory?

Fill in the blank: Always {{}} the teacher if there is an unexpected situation during the experiment.

Fill in the blank: It's crucial to {{}} any open flame when not in use.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz