We’ve previously shown a science fair project showing that a flame conducts electricity.  (And if you follow that link, you’ll see links to even more spectacular projects involving electricity and flames.)  But the one shown above, from Popular Science, October 1937, is even simpler.  Junior will undoubtedly amaze the teacher with the simple elegance, and very little preparation is needed.

Because the area around the open flame is conductive, the two strips of paper will quickly discharge in its presence.  But when the experiment is repeated with a screen between the paper and the flame, there will be no effect.

All you need is a candle, a couple scraps of paper, and an old piece of screen.  And, of course, don’t forget to give your young pyromaniac a box of matches.

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