VanCleave's Science Fun

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

ABOUT THE SOUND PICTURE

With mouth wide open, vibrating air coming up the throat from the vocal chords leaving the open mouth and spreading in all directions. 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 and now am creating this science website.   My scream was not staged. The picture was to be of two adult cats, which I was holding. A microsecond before the camera snapped, the two cats dug their claws into my skin as they prepared to leap out of my arms. A picture like this is great for making inferences. Kids could make "guesses" as to why I am screaming. They would be drawing on facts from the photo, such as I look like I am in pain or maybe I am just pretending.

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A Paper Bridge

By Janice VanCleave

Structural Engineering Project A bridge is a structure that provides a pathway across streams, ravines, or other obstacles. The earliest bridges were made by nature and consisted of materials  including fallen logs, rocks, or tangled vines growing across the gap. Structural engineers are concerned with the design and construction of all types of structures, including […]

Filed Under: Engineering Tagged With: dependent variables, engineering project, independent variables, paper bridge, single beam bridge, structural engineer, variables

How to Write An Experimental Science Project Question

By Janice VanCleave

The direction of the plant's leaves depends on the direction of the Sun. Sunlight is the cause—independent variable—and a change in the direction of the leaves is the response—dependent variable.

Building an Experimental Science Project Question New Science Terms causeeffectcontrolled variablesdependent variableexperimental questionindependent variablevariables An experimental question is a cause-effect question. Note: Things that can be changed or change on their own are called variables. In an experimental question, the variable that causes another variable to change  is called the independent variable. The  variable that […]

Filed Under: project question, Science Projects Tagged With: dependent variables, experimental questions, independent variables, tropism, variables

The Blooming of a Paper Flower

By Janice VanCleave

A stick-on label with a message is placed in the center of a paper flower.

Introduction to the Science At Home Series: Project 1: Fun With Water Investigation: The Blooming of a Paper Flower Andrea Roseman, a homeschooling mom with two lovely children, tested this experiment and posted comments on her website, WhatEverPhilippians48. Andrea and I exchanged ideas and with her approval, I have included her hints, clues, and suggestions to […]

Filed Under: Biology, Plants Tagged With: dependent variables, experimental investigation, exploratory investigation, homeschool science, variables

Project: Slime/Variable

By Janice VanCleave

 Variables in A Slime Experiment Variable is the name given for any part of an experiment that changes. For example, the following question identifies what is happening as well several variables which are identified. Question: If a glue solution and a borax solution are mixed, what effect would the ratio of the solutions have on […]

Filed Under: Science Projects Tagged With: controlled variables, dependent variables, independent variables, slime, variables

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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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