Granulated wax is perfect for kid crafts because it doesn't need to be melted before using. You just pour it!
Each family (which for our class is two or three kids for the most part) got a glass jar and I explained that each color wax would represent the different layers of the atmosphere. We had just gone over what all the layers are and information about them and all, so this project was to visually cement the idea in their minds.
They started by putting a glue dot on the end of the wick and gluing it to the bottom of their jar. Makes it much easier to keep the wick straight while you are pouring layers of wax around it!
Then, they were allowed to take turns filling their jar with the different layers of wax and label which part of the atmosphere it was.
You can see in this picture that I did melt a little bit of the wax to pour over the top to seal it so the wax wouldn't spill for the car ride home with kids.
Pretty cool right? Earth's Atmosphere Candles = fun and useful science project :)