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About Dan Fink
(Top Expert on this page)

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.

Publications
Otherpower.com
Wondermagnet.com

Education/Credentials
BA Technical Journalism


   

You are here:  Experts > Science > Science/Nature for Kids > Science for Kids

Questions Answered By Expert  Dan Fink 
In Category  Science for Kids

SubjectDate Asked

olefactory nerves in nose7/21/2008
  Q: How often do the olefactory nerves in your nose change?
  A: ...it could be changes in the ability of olfactory signals to transmit to the brain. See: ...
Does every human taste receptor work differently? Do we enjoy the same kind of taste sensation?7/2/2008
  Q: I understand no human taste receptor work exactly the same,does all the normal human taste receptor ...
  A: Interesting questions! From what I can tell, you run into the same thing with smell--it's again a ...
Does every human taste receptor work differently? Do we enjoy the same kind of taste sensation?6/30/2008
  Q: I understand no human taste receptor work exactly the same,does all the normal human taste receptor ...
  A: There's no way of knowing, just like there's no way to know if 'green' looks the same to me as to ...
making ice blocks6/29/2008
  Q: expansionHi Dan, We are trying to make a perfect circle ice block that won't crack. We have ...
  A: Your best bet is trying to do it like the folks that make ice sculptures. In your freezer, the ice ...
how to make an investigatory project on energy conservation?6/4/2008
  Q: As you can see from the subject, I have to make an investigatory project on Energy Conservation. The ...
  A: -) An investigatory project is also called an experimental project. In this type of project you ask ...
Experiment with magnets6/3/2008
  Q: I'm like a kid and all and i can not find any good experiments for the science fair but i know i ...
  A: ). This page probably has the best collection of experiments that you can do with rare-earth ...
magnetism6/2/2008
  Q: My question is "How can magnets help archeologists?" please could you give me some info. thanks x
  A: Of course in archeology studying more modern events, where people had iron tools, magnets can be ...
umbrella construction5/28/2008
  Q: I need to build an umbrella for my science project. I wanted to know what materials I would need to ...
  A: This is really a tough question! I could not find any resources online for building an umbrella. ...
science5/12/2008
  Q: Which heats faster soil or water?rhp4v
  A: and what the source of heat is. Sunlight, convection, conduction, or what? Same with the water -- ...
egg drop5/12/2008
  Q: Deer Dan My mom says that by putting a raw egg in a vacuum bag and sucking out the air, and rapping ...
  A: The vacuum bag or air has nothing to do with it... The key is distribution of force--you need to ...
science5/9/2008
  Q: experiment on which soda has the most gas (carbon dioxide) for grade 5 level
  A: all at exactly the same temperature. Seal each one in a ziplock bag, and carefully open the cap thru ...
chemical science5/4/2008
  Q: My 6th grader did an experiment with water temperature and liquid detergent. Hot and cold water ...
  A: There are too many variables and not enough information to give you a definitive answer, but I can ...
Electricity5/2/2008
  Q: I want to ask that how does the length of a material affect the conductivity of it? thank you
  A: Generally we talk about resistance in a conductor, measured in Ohms, rather than conductivity, ...
Science / Heat Transfer4/29/2008
  Q: What cools faster: soda in a bottle or in an aluminum can? Thanks,
  A: so the contents of the can will heat or cool faster. For the same reason, the contents of a glass or ...
tornadoes4/24/2008
  Q: I need to find a simulator that tests how the temperature affects speed of vortex.
  A: This is a new one for me, you are on the cutting edge of science fair projects! About the best I ...
Mini Solar Panels4/23/2008
  Q: I have to build a mini solar car for school. I found some little panels at radio shack that comes ...
  A: The solar panel from Radio Shack that came with the motor, was able to run the motor, but just not ...
science4/22/2008
  Q: my daughter had to do an experiment for science. Which soda stays colder longest in a bottle or a ...
  A: It's not the caffeine, since it's present in such tiny amounts--soda is 99.99% water and sugar, plus ...
Solar Energy4/21/2008
  Q: What are some examples of where this technology(solar energy) is being used? What persent of the ...
  A: I'm not allowed to do this kind of research for students. You have to learn how to find this ...
Heating a wire4/18/2008
  Q: How do I heat a nichrome wire without burning through plastic? How much energy does it need and ...
  A: and your power source. What are you trying to heat up? The basic procedure for designing an ...
sunlight energy4/15/2008
  Q: How do all of the living things in a food chain get the energy to live from sunlight? on a fourth ...
  A: In a food chain it all boils down into producers, consumers, and decomposers. All the energy comes ...
Science fair question4/14/2008
  Q: My science fair project is about finding out which colored ice cubes melt faster, red, blue, yellow ...
  A: "white" light, like sunlight, comes to us in a mix of different colors. The colors that you see from ...
science project4/9/2008
  Q: i was wondering how would i find out how much carbohydrates are in a can of soda.and how would i set ...
  A: Soda is pretty much just sugar and water. So all your carbohydrates will be from the sugar. It's ...
egg drop4/1/2008
  Q: ..i was wondering if you could suggest a good way of building one...i can only use toothpicks and ...
  A: Below is the best way to go about the experiment. Since you can't use foam--- you're going to need ...
2nd grade science fair project3/31/2008
  Q: Dan. After an ice storm this winter, my son and his friend found a sizable piece of pavement that ...
  A: Yes, the crystallization of ice is pretty amazing in how much force it can produce. However, there ...
shell less egg drop3/30/2008
  Q: How can I drop a shell less egg from a distance of two stories without breaking it? ANSWER: Hi ...
  A: The best way to go about it will remain the same as I described in the first answer. For natural ...
building a boat that floats3/29/2008
  Q: I have to build a boat that floats without using electricity. We are having a contest so I need it ...
  A: I assume you mean the boat needs to be *powered* to move without electricity? Floating it is no ...
shell less egg drop3/28/2008
  Q: How can I drop a shell less egg from a distance of two stories without breaking it?
  A: right? That will work the same way as a normal egg drop--you want to slow the egg down inside the ...
solar energy3/27/2008
  Q: how does the solar mirror work, like how does the sun make it work?
  A: or what it does. BUT I can make a guess! It tracks the sun, right, and mirrors focus the beam on ...
Tesla coil3/19/2008
  Q: My daughter wants to build tesla coil for science fair project/experiment. However the teacher's ...
  A: "Is it possible to transmit electrical power over a distance without wires?" Of course radios do ...
Solar Panel Project3/19/2008
  Q: I am doing a science project and I am trying to light a light bulb with a homemade solar panel and ...
  A: You'll want to measure that first with a multimeter, and then select a bulb to match. An LED light ...
Fruit Seeds3/17/2008
  Q: I am doing research for a Science Fair experiment. I am curious to find if people can identify a ...
  A: 1) yes 2) That's how they reproduce -- the fruit falls to the ground, (or gets eaten by an animal) ...
Plants3/17/2008
  Q: We are doing research on plant environments. We have a few questions we were hoping that you could ...
  A: 1 -- no, ANY plant can be made to grow indoors if given the right conditions (light, humidity, ...
physics experiments at indoor play centers3/17/2008
  Q: Like you, I am interested in teaching kids in a fun, interactive (hands on) setting. Am considering ...
  A: Not a problem Ameet -- happy to help. I'm generally too swamped at work to be available as a ...
energy flow in ecosystem3/17/2008
  Q: what is the energy flow in wetlands
  A: herbivores eating green plants, then themselves being eaten by carnivores; and the breakdown of ...
Electricity from Fruits3/13/2008
  Q: My name is Jonathan, and I am in the 6th grade. I am doing some primary research for my Science ...
  A: What they DO have is acid in the juice. That acts as an electrolyte, which forms a battery when you ...
Plants3/13/2008
  Q: I have a science fair at Deer Park Elementary school and I I am doing can plat grow fro a leaf and ...
  A: you can start plants from a leaf, but some plants are easier than others. Some are very difficult. ...
rechargable batteries3/8/2008
  Q: How can I "re-condition" a 12v rechargable battery for a Dewalt cordless drill? It seems to charge ...
  A: but there's not much you can do. The cells in this type of battery are sealed, so nothing can be ...
science fair projects3/7/2008
  Q: what will happen if bean plants are not watered with water?
  A: Just like a human, plants can live for a long time with no food (fertilizer), but only a short time ...
physical science3/6/2008
  Q: 8 ounces of ice cube were left at room temp to melt. after 6 hours, the water weigh 8 ounces. why ...
  A: no mass is lost (the same for gasses, too). What fools people with ice is that as it freezes, it ...
freezing rate of carbinated water3/6/2008
  Q: for my science fair project i my question is how does carbonation affect the freezing rate of water, ...
  A: The colder the water you start with, the less time it will take to reach the freezing point. Now ...
volume thermal expansion2/7/2008
  Q: If a 103 gallon tank was filled with diesel fuel and a beginning temperature of 45 degrees F, and ...
  A: However, I can can give you the info to solve it yourself: The thermal expansion coefficient of ...
carbonation2/6/2008
  Q: if you know anything can know just a little bit you know on carbontion? plese? thank you ...
  A: and a great link to the online encyclopedia article. Carbonation in soda is dissolved carbon ...
oven toaster2/6/2008
  Q: Prefer to wrap electric wire around meat to cook it using AC current.I thought of connecting jumper ...
  A: ...your worries are good, beacause messing with a car battery battery can get things red-hot before ...
styuff2/5/2008
  Q: What kind of cloth holds stains the best any good stain websites?
  A: because almost every stain remover manufacturer has a website with stain removal instructions. You ...
simple electric motor2/4/2008
  Q: I need a hypothesis for the simple electric motor I built. My problem statment was "Can electrical ...
  A: .. Wow, you don't need to ask me about all this stuff....both of your hypotheses are true. Your ...
Egg drop w/ limited materials2/3/2008
  Q: My physics class is doing the egg drop competition starting from 6ft, but our materials are very ...
  A: But I'm starting to find the problem even more interesting recently! I get egg drop questions here ...
why do we burn fuels1/30/2008
  Q: i am doing my science homework about burning fuels and i don't understand how to link the big ideas ...
  A: we're having internet problems here. I think a couple key concepts might help you out. First, solid ...
Yeast experiment1/29/2008
  Q: My son did an experiment with yeast, sugar, vinegar, baking soda and salt to see which would produce ...
  A: Ahhhhh! OK, I understand now. You were kind of mixing up your reactions in these experiments. There ...
Yeast experiment1/29/2008
  Q: My son did an experiment with yeast, sugar, vinegar, baking soda and salt to see which would produce ...
  A: I think I can guess, though....you used yeast, sugar and water in one jar, and baking soda and ...
Evaporation1/28/2008
  Q: Which will evaporate more quickly? Water in a tall thin glass or the same water in a wide flat dish? ...
  A: Yes, you are correct. The more surface area that is exposed to air, the faster the evaporation rate. ...
a question1/27/2008
  Q: Do children learn more from punishment or by giving rewards?
  A: Many behavioral scientists (and parents!) believe different things. But, the general consensus is ...
evaporation1/25/2008
  Q: will water evaporate at different rates if it is in different types of containers? In other words if ...
  A: and also the surface are of water exposed to air. The main rule is, the warmer the water, the faster ...
electricity1/23/2008
  Q: got any tricks on how to figure out kilowatt hours and stuff?? like how much it cost to run a light ...
  A: Watts are GREAT, much easier than messing with volts and amps (though watts roughly equal volts x ...
ice thawing rate1/22/2008
  Q: Mr. Fink, A while back you answered the question below. I am doing a similar experiment. ...
  A: Both will thaw at exactly the same rate, because the heating earlier didn't do anything to change ...
ice thawing rate1/21/2008
  Q: Mr. Fink, A while back you answered the question below. I am doing a similar experiment. ...
  A: Hot water ALWAYS takes more time to freeze, because you have to remove more heat energy from it ...
making an artificial arm1/21/2008
  Q: I am in the 7th grade and we need to build an artifical arm that will reach into a water bottle and ...
  A: In short, you'll need a whole a bunch of servo motors and the mechanical parts to make them move the ...
dog food project ideas1/20/2008
  Q: my son wants to do a project about which dog food do dogs prefer ? dont know what dog food to test ...
  A: This kind of statistical experiment is always tough....to really get a good sample to put together ...
Virtual Hamster - Learning Fair Question1/19/2008
  Q: My 3rd grader is very interested in participating in the Learning Fair at school this year. After ...
  A: you've discovered a law of physics that most people think doesn't apply to magnets, the Conservation ...
pediatrician1/19/2008
  Q: She has been saying, that she wants to be a pediatrician ever since she was five. Is their anyway ...
  A: Normally with google, you have to get your search terms just right. But sometimes you can just ask ...
light bulb experiment1/17/2008
  Q: Can you use a chain of students to light up a light bulb similiar to the energy ball experiment, ...
  A: at Steve Spangler Science? If so -- probably, but the connection gets worse every time you add ...
evolution of a cat1/16/2008
  Q: I'm doing a thing on evolution in my earth science class and have to do something on the evolution ...
  A: just search: cat evolution And you'll find some confusion, of course! In 1983 cats were classified ...
Science Fair project on Sttain Removal1/15/2008
  Q: What would the scientific principle for stain removal be? Thanks for any help, Taylor 5th grade
  A: Detergents and soaps are 'surfactants', where one side of the molecule is attracted to water and the ...
friction1/13/2008
  Q: I want to know what surfaces have less or more friction allowing you to run faster. Its for my ...
  A: because like you said, too much friction would slow you down. It's not so bad with feet, but with a ...
friction1/11/2008
  Q: I want to know what surfaces have less or more friction allowing you to run faster. Its for my ...
  A: like pavement, concrete, grass, etc. will provide the most friction, while surfaces that feel smooth ...
Energy1/11/2008
  Q: I was writing a grant and I wanted to explain about how nature helps use certain processes that it ...
  A: OK that explains it. It's not really a form of energy, but instead demonstrates the law of ...
Sound1/10/2008
  Q: Does the human ear hear all frequencies in the audible range with teh same sensitivity? Is it easier ...
  A: and it also varies with age and hearing damage. A healthy young adult can usually hear in the ...
Saltwater evaporation1/8/2008
  Q: I'm doing a science fair project and i would like to know, How does salt delay evaporation timing? ...
  A: banging into each other. They are also highly attracted to each other. Some of these collisions can ...
help por favor!!!!1/8/2008
  Q: i just had a question. im doing a science fair project. i mean the topics not THAT great but its on ...
  A: Hola Lauren. It's a pretty good topic actually....lots of places you can go with your experiments. ...
science fair - electric eels1/7/2008
  Q: My 2nd grade son was studying about electric eels in class - he was interested in how they can send ...
  A: A very interesting animal, and possibly a tremendous science project! The answer to your son's ...
Science1/4/2008
  Q: A person holding a toy helium-filled balloon, identify the forces on the balloon and why doesn't the ...
  A: However, Helium is lighter than nitrogen, which is 80% of the atmosphere. So, the balloon and it's ...
contraption project1/1/2008
  Q: I'm currently in grade 11 physics and we have gotten a project to build a contraption which a marble ...
  A: You could have fun with some small magnets -- you'll be able to place them so they can attract or ...
Wind Power motors12/21/2007
  Q: I have read about "gear motors" which appear to be small hobby-type moters, but can run at much ...
  A: that's what we build here for a living: http://www.otherpower.com/ First, join our discussion board ...
Wind Power motors12/20/2007
  Q: I have read about "gear motors" which appear to be small hobby-type moters, but can run at much ...
  A: the answer is 'maybe and maybe not.' Just like with selecting a hobby motor for wind experiments, ...
6th grade science (chemistry)12/14/2007
  Q: What is the difference between a bottle of water and a bottle of hydrogen and oxygen?
  A: Because of the shape of the water molecule, it forms *multiple* hydrogen-oxygen (H-O) bonds. The ...
Indium12/14/2007
  Q: I'm a 10th grader having trouble with some things in a school project that I have to do. My teacher ...
  A: yes, pretty much, but I'll rephrase what you said a bit. you said>Which means that the number of ...
Indium12/13/2007
  Q: I'm a 10th grader having trouble with some things in a school project that I have to do. My teacher ...
  A: and you'd be surprised how many people don't know how a mirror works! I bet your teacher does, ...
DOG PAW PRINTS12/13/2007
  Q: Do dogs have patterns on their paws like we have on out fingers?
  A: This is the first time I've had to ask my dog to answer a science question here for me. (Actually, I ...
science12/12/2007
  Q: What is the mass of a small air freshner before and after it is open
  A: You'll simply open the air freshener and weigh it immediately, then wait for however long it takes ...
Electrolysis of water.12/8/2007
  Q: I want to prove that there is the Hydrogen and Oxygen in the water electrolysis in the Science Fare. ...
  A: Not easy to demonstrate, but easy to prove. You light the hydrogen with a match...but that's ...
Electrolysis of water.12/7/2007
  Q: I want to prove that there is the Hydrogen and Oxygen in the water electrolysis in the Science Fare. ...
  A: but it's a very slow process. Adding a salt to the electrolyte speeds things up by making the ...
magnets12/6/2007
  Q: I have a science project and the question is-Does the size of the magnet effect the strength??? Is ...
  A: And yes, magnet size does affect strength. Other factors that affect magnet strength are: -the ...
Mineral resources12/5/2007
  Q: my name is Cora. I am 10. I'm in 5th grade, I am doing a history report and I need to know what the ...
  A: government agencies are notoriously BAD at making information easy to find! I ended up going to the ...
copper12/3/2007
  Q: can you please tell me some thing about copper. :)
  A: I can send you to the coolest periodic table website ever: http://chemicalelements.com/ Copper is ...
Evaporation11/30/2007
  Q: Good Morning, my son is in fifth grade finishing up his science project. He filled three cups with ...
  A: that doesn't follow what I'd expect. The evaporation rate of liquids is directly proportional to ...
chemistry11/28/2007
  Q: Which soft drink has the most carbonation?
  A: even between cans of the same brand in the same batch. You can perform an experiment to see which of ...
conduction11/27/2007
  Q: I'm doing my 6th grade Science Fair Project of electrolysis of water using different electrode ...
  A: too, so don't get discouraged! My job is writing about renewable energy, not chemistry. But science ...
conduction11/25/2007
  Q: I'm doing my 6th grade Science Fair Project of electrolysis of water using different electrode ...
  A: and 2)the electrolysis of water. For (1), you are harvesting electricity from the electrochemical ...
chemistry11/25/2007
  Q: I'm doing a project on elements....and i need to sell plutonium, need advertising ideas and help ...
  A: that's a tough sell, considering it's one of the most poisonous elements known to mankind! However, ...
question and answers11/21/2007
  Q: Water can dissolve more sugar on heating water, why? Salt can be separated from salt solution on ...
  A: Sugar dissolves in water because highly polar water molecules break the weak bonds between the sugar ...
carbonation in soda11/21/2007
  Q: I need to find out how to measure loss of carbonation in a 2 liter bottle of soda at different ...
  A: and that CO2 weighs only 1.98 kg per cubic meter. So, you'll need a very accurate laboratory-type ...
Lemon Flashlight11/20/2007
  Q: I saw a science experiment on this website where a lemon was used to make a flashlight.I want to do ...
  A: You'll need about 2 volts and about 20 milliamps to light a red LED (red uses the least power). So ...
Science/Plants11/18/2007
  Q: Name some plants that are consumers instead of producers?
  A: and came up with ZERO. Me too! And the reason why is simply that we should have used "autotrophic" ...
Electric Pump For Water11/13/2007
  Q: I need to find a cheap, reliable electric pump to buy that can pull water from a fishtank and put ...
  A: The first place you might look is the local Home Depot/Lowes type store, or a garden supply store. ...
physics-puddles11/12/2007
  Q: how and why do puddles evaporate?
  A: the molecules are held together by intermolecular forces. The molecules also have kinetic ...
Sodas Fizz11/10/2007
  Q: Does the brand of soda affect how long it fizzes?
  A: different brands have different amounts of carbonation. It's measured in 'volumes of Co2' which is ...
carbonation in soda11/5/2007
  Q: what is the best/easiest way to measure the amount of carbonation in different types of soda for a ...
  A: The simplest way I know if is: -use soda in plastic screw-top bottles, and make sure both bottles ...
the carbon cycle10/31/2007
  Q: where can i find a science project of the carbon cycle that was made by kids?? please help i have my ...
  A: it appears all you need to do is find science projects on the carbon cycle that others have done? A ...
science10/26/2007
  Q: Can you tell me how sound travels through solids,liquids and gases
  A: It travels the same way through all 3 -- by waves of alternating compression and rarification. The ...
Mouse Trap Powered Car10/24/2007
  Q: What kind of wheels could I use to make my mouse trap powered car produce less friction?
  A: You *want* friction between the wheel and the floor--the friction is what transmits the power from ...
Mouse Trap Powered Cars10/24/2007
  Q: How can I build a mouse trap powered car that will travel a long distance?
  A: Google up: mouse trap car for a whole bunch of ideas. This site is dedicated to the idea: ...
pond ecosystems10/23/2007
  Q: okay, so in my class we're doing a project on different types of ecosystems, and in my group we ...
  A: It's a great idea you have, but practically speaking it will be very difficult. Most fish are ...
how can i find it?10/23/2007
  Q: Our class is divided by groups to make investigatory projects. The leader of our group assigned me ...
  A: Biology, physics, electricity, and so on. Then from there you can pick a project. Invetigatory ...
Affect of temperature on wood glue strength10/22/2007
  Q: I am in Eighth grade and I would like to see if temperature affects the strength of wood glue, but ...
  A: I like your experiment idea. The problem is the hairdryer--you wouldn't be heating the glue joint ...
plant10/18/2007
  Q: what is the purpose for plant roots?
  A: The 2 main purposes of plant roots are 1) to anchor the plant to the ground, and 2) to absorb water ...
electricity10/17/2007
  Q: why is sciense so hard and confusing to understand and can you put more things about electricity on ...
  A: so I can't put anything up on the site. However, my opinion is that science is confusing as taught ...
removing salt from water10/16/2007
  Q: It has to be solar powered and I have to have a working model. My mom is trying to help, but not ...
  A: There are only a few methods: Distillation, sequential freezing, and reverse osmosis. Only ...
cracks in ice blocks9/21/2007
  Q: we have a shave ice company and currently use an ice block maker to make our round ice blocks. The ...
  A: You can probably duplicate them at home. Cloudy ice comes from impurities and air trapped in the ice ...
egg drop9/7/2007
  Q: all I have for an egg drop is 30 straws and 34 inches of masking tape and no padding. what do i ...
  A: Since padding is the most effective way to protect the egg, I would try to crumple up the soda ...
water on the moon9/6/2007
  Q: If there is water near the pole on the moon what form do you think it takes-liquid, gas or ice?
  A: So that rules out water in gas or liquid form, unless it's buried deep under the surface, which is ...
powering a light bulb from a calculator solar panel8/17/2007
  Q: my daughter is trying to build a model house and power a flash light bulb by solar power. is it ...
  A: but not with a regular incandescant flashlight bulb or a solar panel from a calculator. Flashlight ...
investigatory project in simple form only8/14/2007
  Q: i am joining in a Science Fair Competition and my category is Investigatory Project. How can i make ...
  A: but can be the most fun! Here's a description of the 5 different kinds of science fair projects: ...
GAS8/3/2007
  Q: WHAT HAS MORE GAS FROM COKE OR PEPSI?
  A: The companies keep their formulas secret, but there's a way you can find out! Get a can or bottle of ...
fundamental of research7/13/2007
  Q: what are the independent and dependent variable of a stain remover?
  A: they would be the type of stain removers you are trying, and the materials you are trying them on. ...
ice cube7/9/2007
  Q: how do you slow down an ice cube from melting
  A: Heat tries to move to colder areas, and you need to block its transfer. Heat is transferred by many ...
Why does water expand when put in the freezer?6/25/2007
  Q: I am learning that the particles in a matter expand when heated and contract when cooled. But how ...
  A: Water is really strange stuff, because of the very strong hydrogen-oxygen bonds. One odd thing is ...
rainbows6/20/2007
  Q: I choose science for kids but I think the question may be difficult. AT 66 year old I am no child, ...
  A: And, you did indeed see something very rare. We normally see half-circle rainbows on the horizon, ...
Earth's Magnetic Field6/13/2007
  Q: What would happen to the Earth if the Earth's magnetic field were a LOT stronger or a LOT weaker? ...
  A: There is a bit of confusion in your terms -- electromagnetic storms, geomagnetic storms, and ...
Help!!!5/31/2007
  Q: O.k. i have a test to take tom., so i need answers NOW!!Why does sound travel through air clearest( ...
  A: sound travels faster, for longer distances, and with a more focused pattern of intensity in water ...
science5/29/2007
  Q: I am a student doing a science project. I am finding it very hard to find out how much water is in: ...
  A: Matt -- in my research for answering your original question, I did not come across anything like ...
science5/29/2007
  Q: i need to make a boat that will travel 6 feet in a body of water with no electricity,or gas power,ca ...
  A: ! -- tip - make your boat as light as possible so it takes less energy to push it, and make it ...
science5/28/2007
  Q: I am a student doing a science project. I am finding it very hard to find out how much water is in: ...
  A: ...accurately measuring water content is extremely difficult, because all those liquids you mention ...
EggDrop help5/26/2007
  Q: I have a project and i need an egg drop project that weighs under 200 grams and you cant use ...
  A: With those restrictions on materials, your class should plan for a scrambled egg breakfast ...
Sound waves5/20/2007
  Q: I want to do an experiment to show how our ears can hear different sounds, not just sound. Can you ...
  A: Ooohhh...that's really tough, Adam. I can't think of any real way to meaure the actual eardrum's ...
Ice house5/19/2007
  Q: I want to build a little home (smaller than 18"x18"x18") for an ice cube without using electricity, ...
  A: and that's insulation. Use as much as you can -- styrofoam, fiberglass building insulation, etc. ...
Sound waves5/19/2007
  Q: I want to do an experiment to show how our ears can hear different sounds, not just sound. Can you ...
  A: Keep in mind that the biggest difference in how different people hear is with high-frequency ...
Dissolving Sugar4/23/2007
  Q: my 4th grader just completed several tests of dissolving sugar cubes in water, vinegar and rootbeer. ...
  A: oxygen, and carbon. Water is hydrogen and oxygen. Water molecules are shaped in such a way that they ...
Solid, Liquid , Gas4/19/2007
  Q: My 3rd grade son is working on a science project that he has to focus on the above subject. Any ...
  A: the substance that's easiest to work with for your experiment is water, because it's easily ...
science fair project4/17/2007
  Q: am doing a project on which color m & m will melt the fastest. Any ideas?
  A: what you'll be getting at will be how well that color absorbs or reflects heat. You probably won't ...
QUESTION4/16/2007
  Q: Doesn't any website have the answer to my question? I need to make a electricity experiment project ...
  A: because what's interesting to me might not be interesting to you. No reason to do a science fair ...
i need help4/12/2007
  Q: i need help with my project what is material density have to do with refraction
  A: The denser the material, the slower the speed of light in it. Refraction (a change in angle of the ...
my animal reprot4/11/2007
  Q: how do peacocks reproduce? But could you please explain it so that its not as deep with information ...
  A: His answer is appropriate for all ages I believe. Also note -- there are myths about how peacocks ...
sunlight, landfills, and methane gas4/10/2007
  Q: I am doing my 5th grade science project on how a gas called methane can be formed by decaying ...
  A: ...higher temperatures would mean the gas is produced faster in your simple (and very clever) ...
physics of weight lifting4/8/2007
  Q: what two kisds of forces woul a weight lifter use to lift barbells above his head.
  A: The weightlifter has to apply force from his body to lift them. Until his force is greater than ...
electromagnets4/2/2007
  Q: What are electromagnets used for?
  A: Any time electrical power runs through a wire, an electromagnetic field is created around the ...
A dissagreement between friends3/30/2007
  Q: Is it true that if i ware my coat indoors i will not feel the benafit of it outdoors
  A: its pretty much all temperatures difference -- the bigger the difference between the temperature ...
social studies3/28/2007
  Q: how is steel made?
  A: you should see if you can get a tour! I did that when i was a kid, and it was fascinating, loud, and ...
urgent science project question3/27/2007
  Q: My brother did an experiment to determine which dissolves faster in different liquids, sugar or ...
  A: Sugar crystal molecules are held together by weak hydrogen bonds between the molecules. Salt ...
electricity3/26/2007
  Q: How is it that a potato can be used like a battery to power a flashlight? Are there fruits that can ...
  A: Actually, a potato can't make enough power to light a normal flashlight. But you can still get fun ...
1st Grade Science Fair Project3/5/2007
  Q: Not too many ideas for 1st grade level. How do you make paper frogs jump with static electricity? ...
  A: and sheets of paper move by static electricity--but never a combination of the two. You can make a ...
magnetism3/5/2007
  Q: good day!!i would just like to know more about magnitism?hope to get a reply from you as soon as ...
  A: It's hard to answer your question without knowing what grade level you are in at school. The ...
mentos&soda3/3/2007
  Q: why doesn't mentos react drastically with regular soda?
  A: In fact, you'll be amazed at how many other things put into soda make the same reaction if you start ...
6th grade science3/2/2007
  Q: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TWO OPPOSING WAVES MEET?
  A: and which parts neet. The waves can either amplify the result or cancel it out, and this can happen ...
magnets2/27/2007
  Q: What would happen if the permanent magnet in a generator lost its magnetism?
  A: In short, the generator would stop making power if the permanent magnets (PMs) lost their power. You ...
science question2/19/2007
  Q: Which form of energy produces more heat. A gas stove or an electric television?
  A: it's made to do that, and it burns a whole lot of fuel doing it. It'll give you *lots* of heat if ...
nail polish2/18/2007
  Q: What are the ingredients in nail polish? What is the history of nail polish? if you can't answer ...
  A: But there are always 3 different *kinds* of chemicals: - solvents. They evaporate and leaves the ...
science project - density2/9/2007
  Q: My Son is doing a science experiment about density. The experiment goes as follows: 1)Fill an ...
  A: The metric system (SI) makes it easy to solve with math proof. Also, be sure to look up 'bouyancy' ...
The water Cycle2/2/2007
  Q: hey well i gotta write an essay about the watercycle but im not sure wat it is or wat happenz. can ...
  A: Type "water cycle" into google, and you'll get both pictures and detailed explanations of it. ...
science fair1/30/2007
  Q: I'm in 8th grade and it's the time of year for science fair and I always need help with choosing a ...
  A: However, I have some experience in culturing yeast, as I used to be an editor for a technical ...
Sugar1/22/2007
  Q: I Would like to know how you can drain the sugar out of coke or Pepsi Please answer me!
  A: The only way to separate it from the water is by evaporation or distillation....evaporate or boil ...
how mirrors work?1/22/2007
  Q: Hi my name is Kelsey from mossville school and im doing a science project for extra credit and i was ...
  A: as you already know, reflect light. They consist of a very smooth, thin, metal layer that's covered ...
science fair- remote controls1/18/2007
  Q: How do remote controls work?
  A: DVDs, TVs, etc. use infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit, and the appliances use ...
my science fair project- vacuum cleaners1/16/2007
  Q: How strong is the suction power of a vacuum?
  A: the design of the fan, and the size of the attachment (small attachments give more suction than ...
SOLID OR LIQUID1/12/2007
  Q: I have a mixture of baking power and water, the mixture is runny but when you put pressure on it, it ...
  A: eh? I've never done this one with baking powder, I've always done it with cornstarch. The trick is ...
My magnetism project1/2/2007
  Q: I need an a idea for my science project. My parents bought my an electricity and magnetism kit for ...
  A: I had to find some links for you. There's a whole bunch of things you could do with magnets and ...
science1/1/2007
  Q: how was the Periodic table formed?
  A: I didn't know much about the history of it, so I googled: history of the periodic table And got ...
insulation12/29/2006
  Q: How is cotton a good insulator?How is aluminum foil, black construction paper and styrofoam a good ...
  A: Cotton can be a good insulator -- it slows down both convective and conductive heat loss because it ...
How to make or buy an inexpensive heating element12/25/2006
  Q: I am working on tactile sensation project for the visually impaired and need to replicate a heat ...
  A: Runs on AA batteries, push the button and the metal piece you stick in the lock warms up. Nichrome ...
Heating Coil12/13/2006
  Q: i read one of the q&a regarding the nichrome heating coil. it sounds great!! i wanted to make a cup ...
  A: I did find a commercial model via Google, but I'm suspicious that it does not get very warm. Here's ...
science12/10/2006
  Q: i was wondering if you can please explain to me the differences between independent variables and ...
  A: In any science experiment, you are usually changing only one variable at a time so you know exactly ...
ask something12/9/2006
  Q: i want to know what substance makes bubbles in my shampoo?
  A: ' and they reduce the surface tension of water. Inside the bubble it's just normal air. You've seen ...
Does sound travel best through solid, liquid or gas?12/1/2006
  Q: Does sound travel best through solid, liquid or gas?
  A: you have to be careful how you ask the question! What do you mean by 'best'? Fastest? Farthest? ...
energy and motion11/21/2006
  Q: if jessica walks around the block and bob runs around the block, who does more work?
  A: they did the same amount of work walking or running around the block, measured in Joules. Work is ...
magnetism11/19/2006
  Q: Ok, so how would I do that? Should I wait until the magnet doesnt attract anymore paperclips, and ...
  A: I think you are all set for this project now, Faiza. Yes, removing it from the water will give you ...
magnetism11/18/2006
  Q: haha! Yes but for my science fair, I'm trying to find out which substance has the greatest effect on ...
  A: It's fine for a hypothesis -- I think what will happen is that with the denser liquid, the magnet ...
magnetism11/18/2006
  Q: Okay, so since the liquid is more dense then just plain water, there's more buoyancy. So that will ...
  A: The denser liquid doesn't so much help them float as it does reduce gravity's effect on them, so the ...
Hamster speedometer project11/18/2006
  Q: Hey dan, I am wanting to connect a bicycle speedometer to my hamster wheel for watching speed, ...
  A: it was 540 mm in circumference and the computer took that number just fine. Otherwise, your options ...
insulation11/16/2006
  Q: Why is bubble wrap a good insulator
  A: conduction (items touching each other) and convection (air moving). Bubble wrap has air trapped ...
what is the percentagee of...11/12/2006
  Q: What is the percentage of oxygeon,nitrogen, and carbon dioxide in the air? Explain what would happen ...
  A: Nitrogen = 78% Oxygen = 20% Carbon Dioxide = 0.035% If the gasses were to *suddenly* change ...
magnetism11/11/2006
  Q: Well I also found out that materials are attracted better in salt water than pure water. Since salt ...
  A: Buoyancy is simply the difference in density between the object and the liquid it is in. So, in a ...
Heating nichrome wire11/10/2006
  Q: I want to heat a nichrome wire RED hot using a 6-12v DC. What would be the proper length, width, ...
  A: A car battery could turn a longer, thicker piece of nichrome red hot than a small 9v battery could. ...
lipgloss11/8/2006
  Q: I want to know how u make lip gloss please and thank you
  A: oil, flavor and color. You just mix it all up, warm it so it combines, and pour into your own little ...
Forensic science11/3/2006
  Q: what is Oxidation? What is the process of oxidation?
  A: oxidation is the loss of an electron. Certain substances are said to be oxidizers--they force this ...
small heating coil11/3/2006
  Q: I am working with a group in my class to make a wind proof lighter like device. We are trying to ...
  A: It all goes back to Ohm's Law - your experiments didn't work because the resistance wasn't high ...
heating element10/31/2006
  Q: i want to heat the bottom of a plastic bowl, what kind of heating element do you suggest. I just ...
  A: or you'll melt the plastic! Go to your local greenhouse or garden supply center and ask if they sell ...
Advanced 3rd grade science10/31/2006
  Q: My eight year old daughter presented me with this homework problem: Would it take more force to ...
  A: This is a very interesting question -- congratulations to the teacher who asked it! I really had to ...
SCIENCE10/27/2006
  Q: I READ ABOUT AN EXPERIMENT - BOUNCING BALLS WITH NAPTHLENE BALLS ADDED TO ACITIC ACID SOLUTION THEN ...
  A: Napthalene doesn't react to form Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Actually, the only reason the mothballs are ...
science fair10/12/2006
  Q: what is in nail polish to make it dry so fast
  A: leaving the other ingredients behind. Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, toluene and isopropyl alcohol ...
keeping water hot10/10/2006
  Q: I am doing a project for schol. We have to keep an aluminum can full of 40 degree C water hot for an ...
  A: There are 3 main ways that heat is transferred: Radiant (like hear from a campfire warming you), ...
Question on Goldfish behavior10/6/2006
  Q: im trying to find information on Goldfish's behavior but i can't find any can you give me some ...
  A: so I can't help personally -- but did you try googling it? I found a TON of good pages about ...
hamster science10/5/2006
  Q: how much horsepower can a hamster generate?
  A: The problem with measuring the potential output of a hamster is its willingness to run as you crank ...
The Ocean9/13/2006
  Q: Why do WE need the ocean?
  A: The oceans are the water storage for one end of the 'water cycle.' If the water cycle stopped, there ...
Earth's magnetic field9/11/2006
  Q: I need help answering how the earths magnetic field affects magma?
  A: It's more the other way around --- the theory is that the movement of magma is actually what ...
egg drop9/7/2006
  Q: my partner and i have to build an egg dropping device. our materials are limited to wood (with a ...
  A: Ouch! That's rough--the best materials to use for the egg drop are layers of foam in differing ...
chemistry9/2/2006
  Q: how could i extract a vegetable oil by distilation?
  A: because of the intense interest in biodiesel fuel. Vegetable oils can be extracted from plant seeds ...
physical science8/23/2006
  Q: does technology always follow science
  A: I think it's safe to say that in general, technology does follow science. However, it takes a big ...
Light Switch8/22/2006
  Q: Who invented the light switch?
  A: This ends up being a difficult question to answer! Switches were invented in the earliest days of ...
Magnet experiment8/18/2006
  Q: Magnets were put on a pencil. They did not touch, and moved like a spring. What causes the magnets ...
  A: In explaining magnets, one eventually gets into a PhD-level field of science called "Quantum ...
maple trees/syrup and leaves changing colors7/24/2006
  Q: Which kind(s) of maple trees give syrup? How old does the tree need to be? How do you do it? Why ...
  A: Since I live about 1500 miles from the nearest sugar maple tree, I'll have to refer you to some ...
magnetism6/28/2006
  Q: I have a patent on a working prototype that I have use myself and it works great. It is designed ...
  A: The phenomenon you are seeing is called magnetic saturation -- the magnetic field is indeed coming ...
Solar Power stuff6/27/2006
  Q: Do you know of any activities or hands on demos for kids to do to learn about solar power (besides ...
  A: There are all kinds of insteresting and fun experiments you can do with small photovoltaic (PV) ...
Science Grade 9 Formulas6/27/2006
  Q: So, It's nearing the end of the year but I still can't keep my finger on the formulas of ...
  A: I have to use Ohm's law everyday at work, and I'm terrible at remembering formulas. So what I do for ...
Egg Drop6/21/2006
  Q: My Teacher has just assigned us an egg drop project for science and me and my partner don't know ...
  A: I've pasted in a copy of a previous question about the egg drop, below. In your case -- the ...
Flying machine inventors bag6/7/2006
  Q: My neice has a project from school that we are trying to figure out. The project is an inventors bag ...
  A: Wow, talk about a project for creative thinking! I think your 2 options for making it fly are ...
evaporation6/6/2006
  Q: why do things dry quickly in the sun?
  A: Heat (in this case from the sun) speeds up evaporation of water--it gives the water molecules more ...
Egg Drop6/4/2006
  Q: I'm a 6th grader, it's the last week of school and our teacher assined us a project. We have to ...
  A: You are stylin' because your teacher did not restrict what materials you can use! I've included a ...
ambleeopa6/1/2006
  Q: this ambleeopa is about lazy eye can you tell me more about this?
  A: It's not fully known what causes it -- worse vision in one eye, problems with the muscles that make ...
science5/2/2006
  Q: What are the five questions needed for a hypothesis?
  A: of which hypothesis is one of the parts: * Research * Problem * Hypothesis * ...
magetic project4/18/2006
  Q: I am trying to come up with a new twist on a science fair project using magnets. I don't want to ...
  A: Full disclosure: I work for a company that sells magnets and the stuff for magnet experiments, ...
science4/10/2006
  Q: what happens to sound when it hits something soft?
  A: When sound waves hit something soft, more of the energy in the wave is absorbed and turned into ...
Warm breath and cool breath4/5/2006
  Q: I'm 7 years old and I was wondering why is my breath warm when I breathe out with my mouth wide open ...
  A: What you are feeling is evaporation of the water in your saliva (spit)! It feels cool, since it's ...
SCIENCE PROJECT -6TH GRAD3/27/2006
  Q: WHAT EFFECT DOES PLACEMENT OF WEIGHT HAVE ON AN AIRPLANE'S FLIGHT?
  A: Airplanes tend to rotate around their center of mass, both in pitch (nose up and down) and roll ...
salt dissolving in water3/27/2006
  Q: what is the rate and amount that salt dissolves in water at different temperatures?
  A: It depends on a lot of different factors, so you'll have to set up an experiment and try it. Some of ...
Alt. Energy Art3/26/2006
  Q: Mr. Fink, peace. I am a medicine wheel artist. Alternative energies are like prayers to me. I am ...
  A: It all depends on how much power you need to make, in what wind speeds. Car alternators are very ...
egg drop3/21/2006
  Q: I'm an 8th grader and have to do the egg drop. I have to use only 100 cm masking tape,100 cm ...
  A: Be sure to read my previous responses on the egg drop -- maybe you did already, as padding is the ...
Magenn wind devices True or False?3/18/2006
  Q: Mr. Fink: Greetings, I hope everything is going well for you. I am a graduated chemecial ...
  A: It does not look like an outright fraud. However, there is critical information missing from their ...
hamster wheel bearing2/20/2006
  Q: My mom is trying to help me put togther a hamster wheel to produce electricity. I am 10. can you ...
  A: There are so many different kinds of bearings out there that it's hard to give specific ...
Global Warming2/18/2006
  Q: I would like to find out in your opinion what are the facts that global warming is occuring,what is ...
  A: I do believe the scientists who are saying that global warming is real, and that temperatures are ...
physics and sports2/14/2006
  Q: I am trying to do a physics experiment for my 5th grade science fair project. I want it to involve a ...
  A: Sounds fun! You definitely want to cover conservation of momentum, where if the basketball did not ...
where can i find copper and zinc strips?2/9/2006
  Q: do u know were i can find copper and zinc strips for my sciewnce fair project because i need to ...
  A: I've made LOTS of potato and lemon batteries in my career as a mad scientist! Galvanized nails work ...
evaporation2/5/2006
  Q: DAN I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVAPORATION FOR MY SONS PROJECT WE PUT TAP WATER,SALT WATER,AND POP IN ...
  A: Your experiment is better suited for determining the freezing/melting point of each liquid... The ...
Egg Drop Competition1/26/2006
  Q: I was wondering what would be the best way to build an egg drop device. We can use basically any ...
  A: I've included a past answer of mine to that question. If you are not restricted in your choice of ...
hamster wheel1/22/2006
  Q: I want to attatch a roller bearing to my hamster wheel to make it run quieter and smoother. I saw ...
  A: It's a difficult question to answer, because hamster wheels vary in design so much. The bearings are ...
Telephone1/18/2006
  Q: can u hear your voice and another person's voice by a metal, wood, steel, tread?
  A: Sound waves are a mechanical wave, caused by a vibration. The vibration starts molecules moving back ...
web sites for Kids1/16/2006
  Q: how are you what's Bettar web sites for Kids (5-8)age? please send your addrees
  A: My 2 favorite science websites for kids are: The Science Hobbyist http://amasci.com/ Lots of ...
Why doesn't rain hurt your head?1/12/2006
  Q: Since rain is falling from so far up in the sky, why doesn't it hurt your head? If I can hurt ...
  A: It looks like you already understand gravity -- which accelerates objects at 9.8 meters per second, ...
k and 1st science fair questions1/7/2006
  Q: I am a non-science mom and have 2 boys very into the upcoming science fair. My kindergartener wants ...
  A: Should be a good science project! Every chemical element has a melting point--for water, it's 32 ...
science project1/4/2006
  Q: I'm 11 and I'm doing a project for school and we all have to shoot a ping pong ball as far as we can ...
  A: Your experiment with adjusting the angle is right on track -- the distance you get will depend on ...
Energy1/2/2006
  Q: "How does an oven maintain its heat/energy?"
  A: After an oven gets up to temperature with it's heating element, the insulation in the oven walls ...
earth's magnetic field12/28/2005
  Q: Does the earth's magnetic field spin along with the rotation of the earth or is it a stationary ...
  A: Good question. A fairly easy answer that turns out to be quite complicated in the end, though! The ...
Hamster Power?12/13/2005
  Q: About how much energy can a hamster on a wheel generate?
  A: I was able to get Skippy the hamster to produce peaks of about 150 milliamps of current at 3 volts, ...
brainstorm12/13/2005
  Q: If you were on a elevator, and the elevator is falling from 10th floor just before it hit the ...
  A: Unfortunately, jumping wouldn't help you much. The falling elevator is accelerating by the force of ...
EggDrop Survival Experiment12/3/2005
  Q: My teacher organized a experiment called the EGGDROP is worth about 20% of my grade and I want a ...
  A: Hopefully this gets through --- allexperts sets the email subject, not me. The tricks for the egg ...
The moon12/1/2005
  Q: Do we always ssee the same side of the moon?
  A: Yes. Over millions of years, the Earth' gravity slowed down the moon's rotation, and the Earth and ...
Dams11/29/2005
  Q: 1. How many dams are there in Connecticut? 2. How many dams in Connecticut create energy? 3. How ...
  A: I can't answer questions like this, it's not fair to you or your teacher. Assignments like this are ...
fuel efficiency10/15/2005
  Q: These new hydrogen cell and hybrid cars are more efficient, but are they worth it. Does the energy ...
  A: You already hit the answer right on the head. The problem with the 'hydrogen economy', as many ...
science fair/5th grade10/6/2005
  Q: Do you know anything about an egg drop science experiment?
  A: Egg drops are fun experiments. They key in designing your container is to spread the forces out over ...
shuttle8/12/2005
  Q: my name is jon I am 10. could you please tell me what frequency nasa uses to talk to the shuttle and ...
  A: Practice! Astronauts train in zero G simulators (the large NASA airplane called the "vomit ...
shuttle8/9/2005
  Q: my name is jon I am 10. could you please tell me what frequency nasa uses to talk to the shuttle and ...
  A: ...cool question, I've been watching the video and audio feeds from the shuttle on the internet all ...
universe8/8/2005
  Q: hey my names josh i was wondering what the difference and similarities are between the christian ...
  A: The big difference is in the timeline. Christian fundamentalists claim the earth is only 6000 years ...
Ionic Propulsion7/16/2005
  Q: I have been researching ionic propulsion and was wondering your take on it. I believe it is ...
  A: Ionic propulsion is most certainly for real. My question for you is, are you thinking about its uses ...
Cause of noise on bridge7/7/2005
  Q: Please tell that while travelling on train, whenever we go through a bridge the voice of train or ...
  A: The effect you hear is beacuse of echoes--sound from the train's engine, sound from your train car's ...
what is the relationship between...6/20/2005
  Q: what is the relationship between mass and weight and gravity?
  A: Good question! The reason scientists use mass instead of weight is that weight is really dependant ...
Water property6/4/2005
  Q: Fink, This is a fairly specific but at the same time quite general question I think. I'm not sure ...
  A: Called a meniscus, because it's lens-shaped. It can be either concave or convex. You are seeing the ...
pond ecosystem5/10/2005
  Q: How are water beetles depended on in a pond ecosystem? What could we kids do to keep people from ...
  A: The biggest ecologic issue for wetlands is how fast they are being drained for development. The ...
ANIMALS4/25/2005
  Q: WHERE DO SQUIRRELS GO IN THE WINTER?
  A: Unlike bears, squirrels don't hibernate. Their leafy nests up in the trees are marvelously designed ...
DAIRY4/25/2005
  Q: WHY DOES MILK CURDLE?
  A: It curdles because of acid -- you can make it curdle instantly by adding lemon juice. The proteins ...
mold4/24/2005
  Q: if mold grows, and its mixed with water, can it become a living thing?
  A: Mold is already a living thing -- not a plant, not an animal, but a fungus. Fungi reproduce with ...
evaporation4/16/2005
  Q: Fink, We have been learning about how things change. We melted snow and have been observing the ...
  A: Three things affect the rate of evaporation -- the composition of the liquid, the liquid's ...
Hot and cold water and cotton balls2/23/2005
  Q: I am in 6th grade. I recently did an experiment with hot and cold water and cotton balls. The ...
  A: You are thinking along exactly the right lines here, you did indeed figure it out! Your experimental ...
Static Electricity2/19/2005
  Q: Mr. Fink, Hi...I am a student at Christopher Newport University. In my natural science class we ...
  A: Your information is pretty good, but there are some static electricity concepts that have very ...
The Solar System2/17/2005
  Q: I am Jill Goodgion, and Lindsey is my 4th grade student. As part of an independent study project, ...
  A: No problem. And good questions! 1) I'm interested because the Earth is only one part of the solar ...
Wind Power2/8/2005
  Q: I hit the button too soon. I realize that when you are not measuring the current then there is no ...
  A: You got it exactly right. Measuring voltage in an open circuit is useful, since it tells you at what ...
pulleys and gears1/25/2005
  Q: My daughter has to do a science fair project in the pulleys and gears category. She wants to build a ...
  A: I've seen some pretty interesting wooden and paper clocks....there is actually quite a community of ...
Wind Power1/25/2005
  Q: As you know, I am helping my daughter in grade 5 with a wind power project. We are using a variable ...
  A: You are correct on the turbulence issue; it makes using fans in wind power experiments ...
Motor generator1/18/2005
  Q: I am helping my daughter to do a wind power project. So far we have been experimenting with a Radio ...
  A: Great to see kids and parents work on wind power projects! I work for http://www.otherpower.com/ and ...
Sci Fair Background Info1/16/2005
  Q: I need to find the ingredients for Coke and Tropicana OJ. Thanks a bunch! ASAP Please!
  A: Coke is well-known for having their "secret ingredients" recipe locked in a high-security ...
hey!!!1/15/2005
  Q: hey i've been doing research on Thermoaucustic Refrigeration, which is the process of using sound ...
  A: An extremely interesting subject! Here at my office we've always had fun working on home experiments ...
ultrasound and whales1/14/2005
  Q: I heard that fishermen can use ultrasound as a bait to attract whales, since whales use ultrasound ...
  A: I was unable to find any references online to commercial whalers or scientists using ultrasound to ...
making a heating element1/14/2005
  Q: I am in 7th grade and for my science fair project I want to take an aluminum (cheap thin kind) ...
  A: Sounds like a fun project. You'll have to do some experimenting to get the heat level right, but ...
electricity11/18/2004
  Q: the magnitude of the voltage induced in a conductor moving through a stationary magnetic field ...
  A: I don't like how the quiz question is phrased from your book....The voltage induced in a coil ...
electricity11/18/2004
  Q: including a full-wave rectifier in an AC circuit will yield a(n)____ current.
  A: I feel that it's unfair to both you and me to answer homework questions. A BIG part of school is ...
electricity11/18/2004
  Q: a transformer has a primary voltage of 115 V and a secondary voltage of 24 V. if the number of turns ...
  A: You'll find the number of windings is proportional with the voltage.....so just set up an algebraic ...
What I have created11/14/2004
  Q: Ok, I am wondering what I've made. I did a simple experiment: create an electricity current through ...
  A: The composition of of the blue stuff in the water and the crystals will depend on what your ...
research on atoms11/11/2004
  Q: Sorry, you will have to use my Mom's e-mail. Can you tell me where a good place on the internet is ...
  A: Sorry for the delay in ansawering, I've been away from home and did not get your email until today. ...
Removing Stains11/6/2004
  Q: My friend Sarah and I are doing a science fair project on which detergent best removes stains. We ...
  A: (answer below from my answered questions archive) What I would do -- is first use the library to ...
science10/24/2004
  Q: "Hi, :) my question is: What is chromatography and what are use of it... can u explain this to me ...
  A: Chromatography is a technique used to separate the different compounds in a mixture, both to find ...
egg drop10/20/2004
  Q: I need help in finding products to use in an egg drop experiment. It has to be in a small coffee ...
  A: The egg drop experiment is really fun. And the physics of it are really interesting....you are ...
Which will thaw faster hot or cold water?10/15/2004
  Q: Mr. Fink, I'am a fifth grader. Last year I did a science project to see which would freeze ...
  A: I'm not quite understanding your question..... >>This year I figured I would see which would melt ...
In which liquid will food coloring fall to the bottom the fastest?10/15/2004
  Q: Dan, I'am a 5th grade student. I'am doing a science project titled: "In which liquid will ...
  A: Which liquid ends up at the bottom or top depends on the density. The denser liquids will be on the ...
Invention Convention10/13/2004
  Q: Unfortunately we have waiting until the last minute. My daughter is working on a school project and ...
  A: These are the hardest questions to answer! It should be something your daughter is interested in, ...
Science10/12/2004
  Q: Please write in exponent. What is the Mass of the earth, sun, and moon? What is the distance between ...
  A: It's not fair to you or to your teacher for me to answer homework questions--the idea is for you to ...
nutrients10/3/2004
  Q: .. i wanted to know at what level they are absorbed...is it microvilli or lumen or rugae i believe ...
  A: You are getting far beyond the scope of my 'science for kids' knowledge. I recommend asking your ...
science fair project9/23/2004
  Q: Which color paper can be burned fastest using a magnefying glass
  A: The darker the paper, the less reflective it is, and the faster it will ignite. White paper should ...
Balloon experiment w/ marbles9/18/2004
  Q: the marbles are supposed to heat up the balloon to demonstrate Charles' and Boyle's Laws.There's an ...
  A: I can't find any reference to this experiment on google or in my usual references. BUT -- if you ...
Wheel Effect Alternator9/9/2004
  Q: I was extremely surprised. Anyways, I'm using a wheel alot like the one at Other Power. It is the ...
  A: Two choices on the motor or alternator. If you go with a hobby motor (from radioshack, etc.), it's ...
Wheel Effect Alternator9/8/2004
  Q: My name is Megan and I am in the 8th grade doing a science project. Finally we are allowed to use ...
  A: I'd be happy to help. It's not very expensive, the magnets cost $1 each, and the wire is available ...
magnetism7/29/2004
  Q: how does a flying train work? I just have an idea that it works by magnetism and I am keen to know ...
  A: You are exactly right -=- and there's a few different ways that levitating trains are built, but ...
LAWS of Nature6/14/2004
  Q: What are the LAWS of nature? Meaning what does the "L.A.W.S." stand for? If you could help me that ...
  A: I don't think it stands for anything. There's nothing about L-A-W-S that I can find in the ...
Electric shocks5/29/2004
  Q: I'm only a kid at heart,but your profile seemed to best fit my question or problem. I do hope you ...
  A: Perhaps it's your 'electric' personality -- or maybe you could find an orchestra and get into ...
geography5/28/2004
  Q: good morning sir, i have doubt in fundamental physics. my doubt is how scientists found the ...
  A: Weight depends on the acceleration of gravity. So it's a better question to ask "how did scientists ...
earths magnetic field5/26/2004
  Q: What is the earths magnetic field
  A: (parts of this answer are copied from one of my answers from a couple weeks ago) The source of the ...
Science Experiment ideas5/24/2004
  Q: I'm an eigth grader and I have to do a science inquiry lab. I need a lab idea that I can do in a ...
  A: Well, it's a hard question to answer, because I don't know what your interests are. Biology, ...
physiscs5/22/2004
  Q: how does sound move through air? this is for my research. Please Answer A.S.A.P
  A: Sound moves through air as a series of pressure waves. For example, watch a loudspeaker while it is ...
biosphere5/12/2004
  Q: can you list three things that make up the biosphere
  A: You bet. Did you know that the term "biosphere" was invented in 1929 by a Russian scientist? He ...
Science Fair5/6/2004
  Q: I am trying drop an egg from a second story building onto concrete without breaking the egg. I have ...
  A: The egg drop is a classic and very fun experiment (I think I did it 3 times while I was in ...
physics (my mom thinks)5/5/2004
  Q: I'm 4 and last week I asked my mom, why does a hill look small when you are far away from it and ...
  A: That's a great question, and the answer is really weird: It's all in your brain. This is probably a ...
Earth's magnetic field4/25/2004
  Q: What is the main function of the Earth's magnetic field? Is it like a shield of sorts? Thanks. :)
  A: You are right, the Earth's magnetic field helps to shield us from charged particles from space -- ...
hello...how can you prevent...4/4/2004
  Q: ..how can you prevent air and water pollution? thanks
  A: I'd say there's two important things to remember for preventing pollution -- the things that you ...
Balance3/27/2004
  Q: If you could design a tail to be worn by a human so they could run with a lower center of balance by ...
  A: Wow, what an interesting question! To really get a detailed answer I think you'd have to do some ...
teaching science for kids3/27/2004
  Q: how can we teach chemical formulas for kids their age are 10 years?
  A: I think it would depend on how detailed you want to get. Do you want to teach about atoms, molecules ...
Harris Hawk3/17/2004
  Q: 1.What senses do Harris Hawks have? 2.How do Harris Hawks protect themselves?
  A: Google is your friend ;-) Some things are hard to find there, but in this case a search on "harris ...
FRICTION3/17/2004
  Q: HOW DOES FRICTION CHANGE THE ENERGY IN A MACHINE?
  A: Friction takes some kinetic energy out of any mechanical system and turns it into heat. Usually this ...
help...Science Project - Marble Clock3/1/2004
  Q: my son is in the 5th grade...science project due on Wednesday-Friday....not real sure what the ...
  A: I still need more details to be able to help -- I don't quite understand the project. The only thing ...
Why some crayons work better than others?2/28/2004
  Q: I am doing a science fair project about why some crayon brands work better than others and what ...
  A: Normally, your best bet is to contact the manufacturer directly by phone or email. Crayola is great ...
Science Fair2/23/2004
  Q: For my science fair project I am creating a tornado simulator. according to the scientific method, i ...
  A: I answered this same question twice recently, so here's a copy of it. DAN Subject: Science FairWhat ...
help...Science Project - Marble Clock2/23/2004
  Q: my son is in the 5th grade...science project due on Wednesday-Friday....not real sure what the ...
  A: sorry for the delay. I couldn't find anything about this as a common science experiment on the web. ...
The science behind stain removal2/15/2004
  Q: I am doing a science fair project on whether generic or name brand laundry detergent works best on ...
  A: Soaps and detergents are surfactants, which lower the surface tension of water. This allows them to ...
good idea for a Science Project2/13/2004
  Q: I found out the fair is not on Monday, but on Wednesday, that gives me a little more time to fix ...
  A: The speaker magnets will be ceramic and not powerful enough for levitation. Hard disk drives do have ...
good idea for a Science Project2/12/2004
  Q: I am trying to find something cool for my brother's science fair. I need something that can be built ...
  A: We love tesla coils up here, but they are still pretty dangerous. The low-amperage sparks that come ...
physical science2/11/2004
  Q: for my science fair project; I would like to know about "How does a pully help you do work" ...
  A: This sounds like a great science project. With a simple spring scale and careful notes you can prove ...
amplifier2/9/2004
  Q: You guys are the best! They don't teach you stuff like that in school, it's always stuff like ...
  A: Portable radios don't have that much output power -- like 250 milliwatts (1/4 of a watt) max. And ...
HELP!2/8/2004
  Q: I need a good hypothesis for my science fair project. My project is a tornado simulator. I need you ...
  A: I just answered this one for someone else....here's a copy of the answer. Have fun. DAN Subject: ...
science2/1/2004
  Q: hi i need help with something why does cold and hot liquids stay that way and what effect it has ...
  A: When something is hot, it's molecules are moving faster than something that's cold. They have more ...
solar power11/26/2003
  Q: How the energy is stored and transformed for use and how the energy is transformed to produce ...
  A: I'm assuming you mean electricity from the power utility. To generate electricity with energy, ...
Inventions10/23/2003
  Q: I am interested in documenting the major scientific inventions from the 18th century onwards. Could ...
  A: I found a keyword trick on Google that might help you. Include the word "timeline" in your search! ...
Generating power with rodents9/23/2003
  Q: My daughter is very good about thinking of science fair questions, sometimes they are difficult to ...
  A: Oh, no.....I never thought I'd actually have to research this one for real ;~) It's a great idea! ...
Energy7/7/2003
  Q: Hey, I just wanted some help with my science energy project: Just so I know how to go about it, what ...
  A: Good questions! Forms of energy are classified into 2 broad categories: Potential and Kinetic. ...
Electricity Conductors4/6/2003
  Q: Why can paper not conduct electricity or be elctrified? Is it because it is a plant origen?
  A: It's all in the atomic structure. Electricity flows by electrons breaking free from their atoms, and ...
nuclear energy3/15/2003
  Q: what were the long term and health effects from the chernobyl nuclear disaster? What is synroc? How ...
  A: I was able to find quite a bit about Chernobyl on Google--lots of recent articles because of the ...
science fair projects3/10/2003
  Q: My 10 year old has to make an orange tell time for his 5th grade science fair and i have not been ...
  A: Of course you could set the orange up to be the center (gnomon) of a sundial.....;~) However I ...
Forces on an egg3/7/2003
  Q: Could you please let me know how to prove experimentally that an egg can withstand a greater force ...
  A: The way I would do it -- is use an xacto saw to cut some eggshells in half, some across the long ...
Gum smell and flavor.3/6/2003
  Q: My 3rd grade daughter was assigned a science fair project. She was assigned to do an experiment with ...
  A: First, I suggest checking some science fair resources on the web. The first and most important thing ...
I have a six year old son...2/25/2003
  Q: I have a six year old son who is very excited about, and interested in anything electrical, ...
  A: You should check out the Robot Store -- http://www.robotstore.com. They have a great website and ...
Removing stains from cotton cloth.1/3/2003
  Q: I'm doing a science project about which commercial stain remover works best on tough stains like ...
  A: What I would do -- is first use the library to find the latest issue of "Consumer Reports" magazine ...
is a circular rainbow possible?12/9/2002
  Q: based on a viewer's height (ground level vs. viewing from an elevated hot air balloon) is a circular ...
  A: You mean a naturally-occuring phenomena, right? It is possible--if it weren't for the horizon in ...
Equals10/14/2002
  Q: what does one ohm equal? one amp? Thank for da help, Love **H**
  A: Ohms are a unit of electrical resistance. Amperes define how many electrons are moving. And Volts ...
Science grade 910/6/2002
  Q: I am in a grade nine science class and we are learning about electricity . There are 24 or so ...
  A: The big one, which I use every day in my alternative energy job, is Ohm's Law. Most of the ...
Maggots8/11/2002
  Q: I am a kid who presented at the Ontario Institute of Studies and education, from rose avenue school ...
  A: There are over 100,000 different species of flies (Diptera)...so there may be some exceptions I ...
ignition temperature7/17/2002
  Q: What is the burning temperature of tissue paper? Not just ordinary paper - tissue paper. Like that ...
  A: There aren't any tables out there that I could find. I think the reason for this is that there are ...
sugar crystals4/9/2002
  Q: Mr. Fink, my granddaughter would like the recipe for making sugar crystals. I would very much ...
  A: Sugar crystals are a fun project...but adult supervision is needed, because the sugar solution is ...
how many lightbulbs4/5/2002
  Q: I am a scupltor, not a kid, but I have my moments. I hope you don't mind answering this question ...
  A: Actually, kids are the ones who ask the really hard questions! Most normal household circuits are ...
Sodium Sulfite4/4/2002
  Q: Though this is a chemistry, not a physics question, your obvious interest in children gives me the ...
  A: The problem is buying only 8 tablespoonsful, and finding it locally! If you can locate a local hobby ...
What makes the bubbles2/28/2002
  Q: I wanted to know what makes bubbles in my toothpaste and in my soap. I heard from my teacher at ...
  A: Bubbles are an amazing scientific phenomenon...and are really fun! And kind of complicated.... ...
Science Fair1/26/2002
  Q: My daughter is participating in her school science fair and she wants to do a comparison of ...
  A: (What material would be able to be stained like tooth enamel and yet be able to be cleaned like ...
science fair project1/20/2002
  Q: fink. i am having a problem with my science fair project. i want to find in what liquids a certain ...
  A: I also had no luck searching the web for background information. So my best advice is, think of all ...
Physics1/14/2002
  Q: It's winter. So I wanted to put on the heater as it very, very cold. My dad refused saying that it's ...
  A: Well, it takes energy of some form to make heat...and energy is expensive, and making it pollutes ...
Molecule spreading1/8/2002
  Q: In class we have been discussing what happens to a drop of food colouring in water. We have been ...
  A: Your electrical charges theory is a good guess...but #2 is the correct ans