AboutDan Fink Expertise Though my experience is mostly in the fields of electricity, magnetism, and physics, I have a broad science background. My career is in the field of alternative power sources -- solar, wind, water and battery power. But any questions about electricity, magnetism, energy conservation, power generation, electric motors, and even general physics are very welcome--especially from kids. They ask the best questions of all! I pride myself in answering science questions accurately, with ideas for SAFE, easy experiments that kids can perform by themselves--and that let them prove the answers to their own satisfaction. I think science should be fun, and available to everyone, regardless of age.
Experience I have volunteered in our local public schools for 5 years. I currently make presentations at our schools about electricity and magnetism, with a focus on solar, wind, water and other alternative power sources. I try to demonstrate at our schools how easy it is to make electricity, with simple devices using spinning magnets and coils of wire--powered by wind, water, bicycles, gerbils...etc. And of course solar panels! I am the webmaster of Otherpower.com, an alternative energy website. I have lived 10 miles from the nearest power pole for 11 years--I make all my own electricity from scratch with sun, wind and water.
Expert: Dan Fink Date: 5/28/2008 Subject: umbrella construction
Question I need to build an umbrella for my science project. I wanted to know what materials I would need to purchase and the mechanism behind the construction of an umbrella
Answer Hi Sabina. This is really a tough question! I could not find any resources online for building an umbrella.
So, my suggestion is to buy an umbrella at the store...maybe a thrift store so it's not expensive. Then you have a model to work from.
Metal is difficult to work with without tools....wood is much easier. I'd suggest using wooden dowels, available at any hardware store. Not as strong as metal, but if you use something thin (like a plastic grocery bag) for the cover, wood should be strong enough.
