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Thomas Edison

By Janice VanCleave

Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), was one of the most prolific American inventors of the 19th century. He was born on February 11, 1847, Milan, Ohio; the seventh and last child of Samuel and Nancy Edison. Edison did not learn to talk until he was almost four years of age.  His delay in speaking was not […]

Filed Under: electricity, Physics, Scientists

Energy Ball: Science Challenge

By Janice VanCleave

The Energy Ball is a fun, easy, and safe way to introduce kids to electric energy. On the outside of the Energy Ball are two metal strips. If you touch these strips with your fingers, the ball will flash a red light and buzz.  This happens because something inside the ball produces an electric current […]

Filed Under: electricity, Energy Tagged With: battery, closed circuit, electric circuit, electric energy, electrodes

Energy: Electric, Light, Sound

By Janice VanCleave

Safe Tool for Teaching Electric current.

Preview in new tab A “Mystery Ball” is used to demonstrates three types of energy: electric energy light energy sound energy Objectives: 1. To describe the physical properties of the energy ball.2. To identify the the types of energy produced by the Energy Ball: electric energy, light energy, and sound energy.3. To describe the difference […]

Filed Under: electricity, Energy, Light, Sound

Positive and Negative Charges

By Janice VanCleave

The American scientists and statesman Benjamin Franklin (1706-1783) named the two natural forms of electric charges. He called one a positive charge and the other a negative charge.  A charge (electric charge) is the property of  subatomic particles within atoms that causes a force between the particles. The force between charged particles is called an […]

Filed Under: electricity, Physics Tagged With: Benjamin Franklin, electrostatic charge

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Welcome to Janice’s Science Extravaganza!

The spoon hanging from the string vibrates when struck and these vibrations are transmitted through the string and the sound is amplified by the plastic cups. ABOUT ME: Hi, I am Janice VanCleave, author of 50 best-selling science experiment books for children ages 4 through high school. I taught science for 27 years. MORE.....

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