VanCleave's Science Fun

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

Plant Root Systems

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Taproot System: The dandelion plant has a tap root system, which consists of a main root that grows straight down. This root is much larger than the roots branching from it. The smaller branching roots are called rootlets, and these roots grow laterally. Plants with a tap root are difficult to transplant. When you pull […]

Geotropism

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Upside Down Planter There is a special Planter advertised on TV that allows you to grow a tomato plant upside down. I wondered how successful this would be and designed a planter. The planters shown were designed by Amida and her sons. When potted, the stem and leaves of the small tomato plant were pushed […]

How Do Flies Eat?

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Flies have a special mouth part called a proboscis. Much like the way the boy in the photo is using a straw, a fly uses its proboscis to drink liquids. Since flies do not have teeth, can they eat solid foods? Yes, and it really is gross, so get prepared: Flies vomit their stomach contents […]

Emperor Penguins

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Penguin Activity Are your students as tall as an Emperor Penguin? Prepare a place to for kids to compare their height to that of an emperor penguin (males can be as much as 39 inches tall). If possible, have a picture or diagram of a penguin. Secure the pic/diagram to a wall with the penguins […]

Penguins

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Penguin Facts: They adapt to various climates. They live in large groups called rookeries. They waddle when they walk. They communicate with each other through body language. They spend most of their lives in water. They are not afraid of people. Their have blubber, which helps to keep them warm. They leap out of water […]

Panda Bears

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Panda Bears are considered special in China. Ancient emperors of China kept panda bears as pets. These pets were thought to have magic powers that could scare away evil spirits as well as natural disaster. Today, pandas are believed to be a symbol of peace and good fortune. Pandas only eat bamboo and can sleep […]

Eukaryotic Cells: Plasma Membrane

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Both animal and plant cells are eukaryotic cells (cells that contain a nucleus). All eukaryotic cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane. This membrane is also called the cell membrane. The plasma membrane is much like a thin plastic  sack with tiny hole. This membrane sack contains all the cell parts and fluids. Since there […]