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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

Series Circuit: Open vs. Closed

By Janice VanCleave

Two series circuits, one open and one closed with each containing three compontents, a battery, a buzzer, and a light bulb.

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. […]

Filed Under: Physics Tagged With: closed circuit, open circuit

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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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