Activity
Light the Kinara!
The Kinara is the seven-candle holder that represents an African family's heritage. Invite your child to explore a new cultural tradition by playing this fast-paced, two player Kinara game! This one's a double whammy: Creating the game will refine your child's fine motor skills, while the playing of it will test her ability to think on her toes!
In a Kwanzaa celebration, the candles (Mishumaa Saba) are lit over the seven-day period, between December 26 and January 1. Each of the seven candles represent a different Kwanzaa tradition: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, collective economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
What You Need:
- Scissors
- 3" x 5" index cards
- Shoebox
- 14 clothespins
- Red, green and black non-toxic markers
- Orange construction paper
What You Do:
- Have your child cut seven index cards in half.
- Ask your child to draw two black, six green, and six red candles on the cards. Have her place the cards in the shoebox, face down.
- Help your child color the clothespins as in step 2.
- Ask your child to draw one flame shape on the orange construction paper, and trace a total of 14 flame shapes. Have her cut them out when she's done.
- Help your child glue the orange flames to the front of the clothespins.
How to Play:
- Sit with the shoebox between each player.
- Each player gets one black, three green, and three red clothespins.
- Take turns drawing cards. Each time a player draws a card, you may place a clothespin on the edge of the box. Place them as they appear in the Kinara: black in the middle, red on the left, and green on the right.
- The players are going to be racing to light each Kinara first. You must place a black candle first, so it is necessary to keep drawing until you receive one.
- Players should discard back into the box any card he or she cannot use, and mix up the cards. After each player has her black "candle" placed, she will need a red candle, then a green, and so on.
- The first player to light her Kinara is the winner!
Related learning resources
Light Speed
Worksheet
Light Speed
Almost nothing in this universe can travel faster than light! Have some fun exploring the speed of light with this space science worksheet.
5th Grade
Science
Worksheet
Making Light Bounce
Activity
Making Light Bounce
This science fair project idea demonstrates that light travels in straight lines and experiments with reflecting light.
5th Grade
Activity
Speed of Light
Worksheet
Speed of Light
Children are introduced to the concept of the speed of light in this illustrated worksheet.
5th Grade
Science
Worksheet
Drawing Light and Shadow
Worksheet
Drawing Light and Shadow
Add some punch to your own doodles with a quick lesson about how to draw light and shadows.
5th Grade
Science
Worksheet
Mirrors and Reflection of Light
Activity
Mirrors and Reflection of Light
This science fair project demonstrates the principles of reflection through simple experiments involving mirrors and light.
5th Grade
Science
Activity
Does The Color of Light Affect Plant Growth?
Activity
Does The Color of Light Affect Plant Growth?
This science fair project idea determines if the color of light affects the growth of plants.
4th Grade
Activity
Can White Light Be Separated?
Activity
Can White Light Be Separated?
This science fair project idea explores whether white light can be separated into different colors.
3rd Grade
Activity
Do Plants Grow Better in Sunlight or Artificial Light?
Activity
Do Plants Grow Better in Sunlight or Artificial Light?
This science fair project idea discovers if an artificial light source will yield the same plant health and growth rates as light from the sun.
5th Grade
Activity
Are Insects Attracted to Heat or Light?
Activity
Are Insects Attracted to Heat or Light?
This experiment determines whether insects are attracted to the heat or the light.
5th Grade
Activity
Light Absorption and Color Filters
Activity
Light Absorption and Color Filters
Learn about where colors come from and how light absorption works in this fun experiment! All you need is a flashlight, construction paper, and cellophane!
5th Grade
Activity
To Measure the Refraction of Light Through Liquids Using Crystals
Activity
To Measure the Refraction of Light Through Liquids Using Crystals
The objective of this science fair project idea is to examine light refraction as it passes through liquid crystals.
5th Grade
Activity
Effect of Artificial Light on Plant Growth
Activity
Effect of Artificial Light on Plant Growth
Learn about the effect of artificial light on plant growth versus natural sunlight and delve into some biology and botany concepts in this science project.
5th Grade
Activity
See this activity in a set:
Kwanzaa Celebration