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Let There be Light! NATURE
Decade: 860BC CHALLENGE CARD Reference: 90860NA02 Difficulty: 8
Background & Context
The earliest form of lighting was based on olive oil and this 3000 year old technology still works well today. Simple construction and careful choice of materials are what are needed to succeed.
Your Challenge
Design a decorative oil lamp and if possible make it and light it.
• List at least 3 important design points you considered when you made your lamp. • Explain your choice of materials.
Curiosity Suggestion Optional Extension
It would be fantastic if your lamp could be There is no optional extension lit, but check with your teacher before you test it in school or if you light it at home for this challenge. make sure you have an adult with you (and remember to take a photo!).
Before attempting to light the lamp either at school or at home, you must show your lamp to an adult to check it is safe to light.
DO NOT USE ANY MAN-MADE FIBRES FOR THE WICK.
2020 Copyright © Curiosity Learning Ltd. All Rights Reserved. www.gocuriosity.com Background Information Let There be Light! Our word ‘lamp’ is derived from the Greek word ‘lampas’ meaning torch, beacon, meteor or light. Our word ‘lamp’ is derived from the Greek word identify where artefacts they uncover were made. ‘lampas’ meaning torch, beacon, meteor or light. Early lamps used olive oil or animal fats, beeswax Oil lamps have been around since as far back as or whale oil, depending on what was available in the Stone Age. Archaeological finds have shown quantity in that area. As the centuries turned, us that the first oil lamps of manmade materials kerosene began to be used, but this gave off an were being used in Egypt, Greece and Rome from unpleasant odour and smoke. By the 1800s, 2000BC until the Middle Ages. Plant oils found in paraffin oil, inexpensive and smokeless, was used. abundance, such as olive oil, were used to fuel the lamps. Fewer lamps have been found in Britain from that era because oil was scarce and expensive there.
These ancient lamps were made from clay and terracotta and, over time, stone, bronze, alabaster and other materials. They consisted of a dish, to hold the oil, and a wick. They were shaped with a sort of nozzle where one end of the wick could rest, ready for lighting, whilst the other end sat in the pool of oil. Although the lamp could be left in a permanent position, they could also be carried around in a person’s hand. They were easier and safer to carry than torches, and Oil lamps are still used these days but this tends were reusable. Over time, the open dishes were to be to add atmosphere to a place or situation, enclosed by a lid (with a hole for pouring in the such as in a restaurant or in a religious or oil) and methods improved to give more uniform- ceremonial context. Oil lamps are an important ity, quality and speed in production of the lamps. part of the celebration of Diwali, the Hindu Pottery from Ancient Greece was often decorated festival of lights. These lamps are called Divas (or with scenes of life or depictions of myths. Some Diyas) and traditionally use mustard oil as a fuel. pottery also had a makers mark inscribed on the base. This can help modern day archaeologists We have come to expect and rely upon electricity to light our daily lives. In some less affluent parts of the world, however, electricity remains a luxury and homes still rely on oil lamps for light.
Hints & Tips
Get some ideas on how to make your own lamp from: www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-Your-Own-Olive-Oil-Lamp/
and also: http://tacticalintelligence.net/blog/homemade-oil-lamp.htm