VanCleave's Science Fun

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

Energy: Radiation

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Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is a stream of photons each traveling at the speed of light. Photons are massless bundles of light energy. The higher the energy of photons the more they behave as particles and can be harmful. The symbol shown with what looks like three blades of a fan notifies you that the radiation […]

Albert Einstein and Relativity for Kids

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About Albert Einstein Best known for his general theory of relativity and the famous equation linking mass and energy, E = mc², Albert Einstein had a lasting impact on the world of science, the extent of which is illuminated—along with his fascinating life and unique personality—in this lively history. In addition to learning all about […]

Series Circuit: Open vs. Closed

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A Series Circuit is one large circle through which electric energy  passes. Look at the diagram of the two series circuits. Notice that each contain three components, a battery, buzzer, and light. An Open Circuit is one in which there is a break in the path of the electricity. Notice the gap in the circuit. […]

Newton’s Laws of Motion Explain Spinning Eggs

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Newton’s First Law of Motion Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727), an English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian, is one of the most influential scientist who ever lived. In Newton’s work, the Principia was published on 5 July 1687, Newton stated what he believed to be the three universal laws of motion. It is said […]

Sound Craft: Wind Chimes

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What is Sound? How is Sound Produced? Sound is a form of energy, just like electricity and light. Sound is produced when something, like a guitar string vibrates (moves back and forth) when strummed. With each back and forth motion of the string, the air around the string is pushed outward on one side and […]

Forces: Balloon Hover-Craft

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How a Hover-Craft Works How to Make a Hover-Craft I have not tested this design and am anxious to hear from you to find out if it works. I made a hover craft using cardboard once. UUM! How about investigating to see how different materials work, such as a CD, cardboard, etc……   Send your […]

How Energy Affects States of Matter

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What Happens When A Substance Gains or Loses Energy? For this article, heat will be the energy source and water molecules the substance gaining or losing energy. So, what happens when water molecules gain or lose energy? Energy is needed for motion, the more energy a substance has the faster is its motion. The reverse […]

Interactive Pendulum Simulator

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  How To Use the Interactive Pendulum Simulator Click the blue weight to run the simulator. You have the option of using one or two pendulums as well as using no friction or a measured amount of friction. There is a mathematical relationship between a pendulum’s length, period, and gravity. While the math may appear […]

Black Light Supplies

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Where to Purchase Black Light Supplies Black lights come in many sizes, the flashlight black light shown as well as phosphors, such as “Glo Germ Powder” and “Glo Germ Lotion ” can be purchased from Amazon.com. The Glo-Germ Lotion and Glo Germ Powder can be used to teach children about the need for washing their […]