Tea light heater

I watched this video about making a tea light heater last winter and thought it was a fascinating project to do with the boys. With 20 degree temps (In November!), this was a perfect week to try it out.

It provided a great opportunity to discuss how heat moves and what makes a good heater work. I found this kids science website with info on terms and ideas to discuss.

I put it on our bar and used it for the two coldest days this week. We spend much of our time in the kitchen and dining/school room and it did help make these rooms a bit toastier. One day, I had to turn the furnace temp down and the next, it took the chill off the air so I didn't need to turn the heat up. It couldn't heat a whole house unsupported but in a bad ice storm, should the electricity get shut down, it could heat a room modestly. David pointed out that putting it into a glass loaf pan also made it a source of light as well. Dual purpose!