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What Is the Scientific Method?

By Janice VanCleave

The Scientific Method is a Problem Solving Process The scientific method is not a set of steps that must be followed in order with fidelity. The scientific method includes Research, Questions, Hypotheses, Experimenting, Collecting Data, Making Conclusions. But, the order is not set in stone nor is there a rule that all the steps are […]

Filed Under: Science Projects Tagged With: exploratory research, fact finding, non-Newtonian fluid, research, scientific method

Project Research: Primary vs. Secondary

By Janice VanCleave

Project research is the process of collecting information.  I suggest that you start with fact finding research, which is called secondary research because it is knowledge already discovered by others. These facts are found in books, magazines, software, and from knowledgeable people, such as librarians, teachers, parents, scientists, or other professionals. While it is not […]

Filed Under: Research, Science Projects Tagged With: exploratory research, primary research, research

What is a Science Project?

By Janice VanCleave

Girl is Reading a Book: A Type of Fact Finding Research

  What is the difference between a class science project and a science fair project? First, let me define a few terms needed to describe a science project. Science is from a Latin word meaning knowledge, specifically about the universe and everything in it. In other words, science is the study of nature and all […]

Filed Under: Science Projects Tagged With: awards, book, experiment, investigation, planning the project, project, reading, research, science, science project, scientific method

Science Fair Project: DNA Extraction

By Janice VanCleave

Question: I want to do a science fair project about DNA. How do I get started? Answer: Following are steps to help you start a project about DNA. Step 1. Topic When doing a science fair project, your first step is to select a topic. You have selected the topic DNA. Since a science fair […]

Filed Under: Science Projects Tagged With: DNA, exploratory investigation, extraction, research, science fair project

Browning Apple: Research

By Janice VanCleave

Research sounds so technical, but it isn’t. It is just a term used for finding out about stuff. Research often starts with an observation. For example,  after biting into an apple, you notice that  the exposed surface starts to turn brown. Being a curious person, you wonder why and begin to search for the answer […]

Filed Under: Science Projects Tagged With: research

Science Project:Slime

By Janice VanCleave

Borax slime used to develop a science project.

How to Develop a Borax Slime Science Project Step 1. Topic You have your topic, which is: Making Slime Step 2. Research Research is learning about your topic. A good way to learn about slime is do an exploratory  investigation about making slime. Exploratory Investigations: These are generally simple experiments performed for the specific purpose […]

Filed Under: Science Projects Tagged With: borax solution, descriptive investigations, glue solution, non-Newtonian fluid, research, science fair project, scientific method, slime, slime science fair project

Scientific Method:Research

By Janice VanCleave

Research is any process that results in the collecting of information about a specific topic. There are two basic kinds of research, primary research and secondary research. Secondary Research: Information recorded by others. Primary Research: Research that you discover on your own. For example, research experiments, called exploratory investigations. The kids in the photo are […]

Filed Under: Science Projects Tagged With: research, scientific method

Halite Crystals: Research

By Janice VanCleave

Halie Crystal

Research is any process that results in the collecting of information about a specific topic. This can be done by reading information recorded by others and/or your own observations and experiments. Research: Reading Following are links to research information about crystals. TYPES OF CRYSTALS HOW CRYSTALS FORM Research: Experimental Exploratory experiments are done for the […]

Filed Under: Science Projects Tagged With: crystals, research

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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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