Bunsen burners
I can light a Bunsen burner safely and control the temperature of the flame.
Bunsen burners
I can light a Bunsen burner safely and control the temperature of the flame.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The heavy base of a Bunsen burner does not get hot
- Opening the air hole on a Bunsen burner changes the flame from orange and sooty to a hotter, cleaner, blue flame.
- Adjusting the gas tap controls the size of the Bunsen burner flame.
- A splint used to light a Bunsen burner should be lit from the nearest Bunsen burner that is already lit.
- A lit splint should be carried with the flame angled slightly downwards and shielded by the other hand.
Keywords
Bunsen burner - A piece of laboratory equipment used to heat substances in scientific experiments.
Blue flame - A hot flame used for heating, produced when the collar is open to allow more air/oxygen in. It is dangerous because it can be difficult to see.
Safety flame - An orange flame produced when the collar is closed, allowing less air/oxygen in. It is cooler than a blue flame and easier to see, making it safer.
Collar - A small metal piece that can be turned to change the flame from orange to blue; it does not get hot.
Splint - A thin, long piece of wood used to light Bunsen burners.
Common misconception
All the Bunsen is hot, flames are the same temperature.
Ask pupils to explain why they are able to turn the collar without getting burnt. Explain why it is important to select the correct flame.
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Bunsen burners, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Bunsen burners, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Solid, liquid, gas states and changes of state unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
gas tap fully closed
gas tap partially open
gas tap fully open