VanCleave's Science Fun

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

Sky Color

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Scientists make observations, identify problems, ask questions, guess at the answer (hypothesis), experiment to test their guess, collect and analyze data, and then make a conclusion stating where the result supported their hypothesis or not. These are the steps for a process called the scientific method. Do scientists always follow the previously listed steps in […]

Chemistry:Corrosion

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Notes from Janice’s Desk Lately there have been several water leaks in my house. One was due to an old water heater that has not been used for years.  I must admit that the beautifully colored crusted areas on the pipes caught my eye. If you look close you can see dark blue crystals. While […]

Insulation

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Notes from Janice’s Desk My hands and feet are generally cold to the touch. In fact, when I shake hands I often hear–“Cold hands warm heart.” The saying indicates that because my hands are cold I have compassion for others. That is a character trait that I try to develop, but do people really think […]

Migration: Monarch

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Each year there are four generations of Monarch Butterflies. 1. The first generation emerge in the early spring in March and April. 2. The second generation emerges in late spring in May and June. 3. The third generation emerge in summer in July and Augus. 4. The last and fourth generation of the year emerge […]

Science Challenge: Free Hanging

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Turning Science Upside Down: Gravity
Understandable explanations and fun investigations about Gravity that answer the following:
1. How and by whom was gravity discovered?

2. What causes the force of gravity?

3. What causes the force of gravity to change?

4. How is the force of gravity measured?

5. What is the difference between force of gravity and g-forces?

6. What does Free Fall Mean?

Chemistry: Solutions

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Notes from Janice’s Desk When I was a kid milk was pasteurized. At the time I didn’t understand that pasteurized meant the milk was heated to kill any bacteria. In fact I never thought about the word until a new kind of milk was introduce. This new stuff was call homogenized and my parents were not […]

Columbus Day

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Columbus Day is celebrated in the USA on the second Monday in October. It is a day in which we celebrate Christopher Columbus’ trip from Spain to Hispaniola, North America in 1492. He was sent by King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella of Spain. Columbus’ crew sailed on three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and […]

Solar Active

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I have found some really cool science stuff that is “Solar Active.” I’ve experimented with solar active beads before, but the Solar Active site has other fun stuff that responds to UV radiation, such as fingernail polish and shoestrings. I don’t care much for paining my nail with UV polish, but my mind is twirling […]

Nature Studies: Leaf Rubbing

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Notes from Janice’s Desk Whether it is a nature study or a class in physics remember I start off with an activity or experiment that is Easy and Fun. I admit that while I have no choice about getting older, there is no requirement that I have to grow up. That is why I never […]

Kids Want to Know:Flying Fish?

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Notes from Janice’s Desk Kids often ask questions that adults don’t know the answers to, but are as interested in knowing the answers. For example: Can fish really fly? Actually, what are called flying fish are fish with a streamlined torpedo shape which helps them gather enough underwater speed to break the surface, and their […]