This term, Year 5 learned how to start a fire using flint and steel — with a little help from cotton and Vaseline.
Fire Safety First!
Before we got to the exciting part, it was essential to review fire safety. We gathered in a safe, open area with ample space for each group to work at a distance from one another. We went over basic fire rules: keep a safe distance, only use the materials provided, and always have a bucket of water nearby. Safety gloves and supervision were a must, too!
The Tools of the Trade: Flint and Steel
For many us, the concept of using flint and steel to start a fire feels like stepping back in time—although in the video game Minecraft, players can use flint and steel to create fire as well!
It’s all about striking the steel against the flint in a way that produces hot sparks. Naturally, the first few attempts were very tricky, but with a bit of practice, we started to get the hang of it.
The Secret Ingredients: Cotton and Vaseline
Once we’d mastered producing sparks, it was time to introduce our fire-starting secret: cotton and Vaseline. Each group had a shell with a cotton ball coated lightly with Vaseline. Vaseline is a petroleum-based product, so it’s highly flammable. When applied to cotton balls, it serves as an extra layer of fuel that catches fire quickly and burns steadily, which makes it easier to light other, larger materials.
This part was especially exciting, as we saw the science in action. We learned how to handle these materials carefully. The satisfaction on our faces when the spark turned into a small flame was unforgettable!
