VanCleave's Science Fun

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

Mechanical Wave: Transverse

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There are two types of mechanical waves: transverse and longitudinal. A type of mechanical wave energy that causes the medium (material) through which is travels to be disturbed. The movement of the medium is in a direction that is perpendicular (at right angle) to the direction of the wave. In other words, if the energy […]

Elastic Potential Energy

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The best way to learn is from experience, and the more of your senses that are stimulated the longer  lasting is the memory. I have a vivid memory of doing an exercise with a strong elastic rubber rope that had loops on each end. Note that one end of an elastic rope in the diagram […]

Mechanical Wave Energy

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A mechanical wave is a type of energy that disturbs the medium through which it travels. This means that something physically moves. Transverse Wave: A type of mechanical wave energy that causes the medium (material) through which is travels to be disturbed. The movement of the medium is in a direction that is perpendicular (at […]

Jesus Lizard

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Question: How fast can the Jesus Lizard run on water? Answer: The lizard is called a  “Jesus Lizard” because it can run across the top of water. This is because the lizard has large hind feet with scaly fringes on the sides of the third, fourth, and fifth toes. As you can see in the […]

Density

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Density is a comparison of mass and volume. In other words, density relates two types of units, mass and volume. For example, water has a density of 1 g/ml. This means that 1 milliliter of water has a mass of 1 gram. This is a density that you need to memorize, but, given enough information, […]

Vegetarian: No Soy?

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Food and Nutrition for Every Kid Question: Can I be a Vegan if I am allergic to tofu?  Answer: I am not a doctor or a nutritionist, but according to information I find on websites of vegetarians, the answer is yes. Tofu and other soy products do supply a large percent of the protein in […]

Inherited Trait: PSR

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Sunlight always makes me sneeze. I haven’t thought much about it and assumed that it happens to everyone. While researching the cause of sneezing, I found information about photic sneeze reflex (PSR).  What I thought was a common is a trait inherited by less than 35% of the population. To inherit the trait, at least […]

Sneezing

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A sneeze is a sudden, forceful, involuntary burst of air through the nose and mouth. A sneeze is the body’s way of getting rid of irritating stuff in your nose, such as dust and pollen. Sneezing associated with a cold ejects thousands of  infectious, microscopic droplets that can hurt you. Sternutation is the scientific name […]

Carbonless Copy Paper

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Question: When I write on some papers, a copy of the writing appears on the underlining page. How does this happen? Answer: This is called No Carbon Required (NCR) paper and is used to make original copies of handwritten or typed documents without the use of electronics (copy machines). The process for preparing the paper […]

Scientific Method

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The scientific method must have originated with kids. I say this because they are naturally curious –naturally inquisitive –natural explorers. For example, at eight, my uncle told me that if I would run around our house three times two small spotted calves would be behind me. He swore it was true. His insistence that it […]