VanCleave's Science Fun

Your Guide to Science Projects, Fun Experiments, and Science Research

Archives for 2010

Density: Dimensional Analysis

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The volume (in cm3) of 0.55 kilogram piece of iron (Density = 7.9 g/cm3) is _________ When I read a math problem, I often draw a diagram. Of course it doesn’t have to be fancy–it is just to help me understand what each of the facts in the problem mean. I also list all the […]

Black Light

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Question: How can light be black? Answer: I assume that you are referring to the light emitted by a black light. The light is not black in color. In fact, there is no such thing as “black light.” The color black is produced when all visible light striking a material is absorbed. This means that […]

Science Fair Projects: Getting Started

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Question: I want to do a science project about the effects of melting icebergs. How do I get started? Answer: There are FOUR basic steps for starting any science fair project. Step 1. Select a topic: Step 2. Find a Descriptive Investigation about the Topic: A descriptive investigation is an exploratory experiment which give instructions […]

Photon

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Question: What is a Photon? Answer: Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy that is released by an atom. This energy is made up of many small particle-like packets that have energy and momentum but no mass. These particles, called photons, are the most basic units of electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is often referred to […]

Allergies: Allergens

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In a dusty area, most people sneeze. This is because dust contains so many different things that irritate the lining inside the nose.  For example dust can be made of these things and more: molds pollen roach poop dust mite poop pet and human dander (dead skin) Sneezing in a dusty area is not the […]

Shortening

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I love finding fun facts, such as why  solid cooking fat is called  “shortening.” It is a very “sciencey” reason based on the chemistry of baking bread. Dough is mixture of flour and water. The combination of these chemicals results in the formation of gluten. gluten A tough, elastic protein.  Gluten gives dough firmness but […]

Diffusion

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I added the squiggles to the photo to represent bad odors. The photo represents Salty, my husband’s dog who is presently peacefully  sleeping on a warm blanket in my office. Smells from his body are definitely diffusing throughout my office. So why do I have a smelly dog in my office? Its a long story […]

Pressure Cooker

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While  searching for a picture of a pressure cooker, I found the one shown. The mess in the photo is the result of the cook opening a pressure cooker too early. The mess shown in the photo is nothing compared to  having an erupting  volcano of green pea soup splatter your ceiling and walls. YEP! […]