For this easy to do Kid’s Science Project you will require:

• A cloudless evening with a full moon;

• Paper and a clipboard to use as a drawing surface;

• A pencil;

• A torch;

• Some red transparent plastic wrapping paper to place over the front of your torch.

Here is a fascinating kid’s science project related to astronomy  that is real easy, and yet a lot of fun!

For thousands of years mankind looked at the full moon with fascination. What did our ancestors observe? Invariably they imagined they could see an image that looked like a human face. For that reason the image came to be known as the  “Man in the Moon!

When mankind invented telescopes, and even moreso since man landed on the moon, we now know that there is no such thing as a “Man in the Moon”. The shapes we observe on the moon with our naked eye from Earth are actually shadows caused by the sun’s rays hitting mountain ranges, craters and debris strewn over the moon’s surface as a result of meteor strikes. The mountains, cliffs and deep rifts cause the shadows.

However; when you observe the moon with  the naked eye what do you see? A great way to remember what you observe is to simply sketch on a piece of paper what you see when you look at the full moon. You will need to place a piece of  red transparent plastic wrapping over the front of your torch as you dont want your night vision ruined.

Fix the red plastic with an elastic band. You will require the assistance of the red light from your torch in order to see your paper. White light from your unshielded torch will ruin your night vision. Red light does not impact your vision so much.

Then with your pencil draw the circle of the full moon on your paper. Once you have the outline of the moon on paper draw inside the circle what you see as the shadows and features that are the surface of the moon.

What does your resulting drawing look like? Does it resemble the face of a man?  How high are those mountains that
cause some of the shadows?  How deep are the valleys?  What caused those rays you can see spreading across the Lunar surface?

After you complete your sketch see if your Dad or a friend has some binoculars or an astronomical telescope you can use.  Observe the same full moon through the binoculars. What happended to the face? You could even sketch what you see with the aid of the telescope or binoculars. Compare  your sketch with this photo of the moon’s surface.

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Purpose : A Kid’s Science Project experiment that demonstrates how sun light converts into heat energy

You will require the following materials:

• Two glass drinking glasses exactly the same size;

• Bottle of coca cola;

• Bottle of lemonade (Yummy);

• A window sill that is receiving lots of sunlight;

• Two identically sized ice cubes;

• A very dark room.

Imagine you are enjoying a sunny day on the beach. Thirsty work so you pour yourself a glass of coca cola. Your girl friend pours herself a glass of  lemonade.

Each of you drop an ice cube you were keeping in your esky into each glass. Now, which ice cube do you think will last longest?

Sunlight converts into heat energy.  Objects dark in colour absorb more light energy than lighter coloured objects. The question for this science project is; will the darker coloured coca cola drink absorb more sunlight than the lighter coloured lemonade drink?

If the answer is “yes” then the ice cube in the glass of coca cola should melt quicker than the ice cube in the lemonade.

In order to carry out this experiment get two same size clear drinking glasses. Ask Mum for a can of lemonade and a can of coca cola. Fill one glass with lemonade and the other with coca cola. Dont completely fill each glass. However make sure each glass is filled to the same level.

Next; place the two glasses on a window shelf that is receiving a lot of sunlight for exactly half an hour. After exactly half an hour drop an ice cube from an ice cube tray into each glass. Make sure the ice cubes are exactly the same size. Now; observe which of the two ice cubes lasts the longest?  Why did one ice cube last longer than the other?

Of course we are assuming that the composition of each drink will not effect the rate at which each ice cube melts? How can we determine if such is the case?   In order to prove whether the composition of each drink may cause one ice cube to melt quicker than the other we need to repeat the experiment.

Refill one glass with the coca cola and the other with lemonade. However; this time place the two glasses in a safe spot in a very dark room. Then drop an ice cube into each glass. Once again ensure the ice cubes are the same size.

Observe how long it takes each ice cube to completely melt (er…you will need a torch?).  If both ice cubes melt in the same amount of time then you can be satisfied that the composition of each drink had no effect on the rate at which each ice cube melted when the two glasses were exposed to  sunlight.

That would indicate that whatever the outcome for your first experiment, that outcome was not affected by the composition of each cool drink.

Can you think of any other factors that could cause one ice cube to melt quicker than the other besides the exposure to sunlight or the chemical composition of each drink? You need to consider carefully all the factors that may impact on the outcome of this experiment before you arrive at any final conclusion?

We trust you enjoyed this easy Kid’s Science Project which demonstrates how sunlight converts into heat energy and how the colour of an object, in this experiment cool drink, may effect the rate at which ice melts

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For us human beings our Sun is “our” centerpiece of our solar system situated way out in the fringes of our galaxy…The Milky Way.  Good “ol sol” is a major factor of gravity force that holds things together. Here are some facts about our Sun to give you ideas to work on for your next science fair project.

Did you know that the Sun is in reality a star.  Our Sun when viewed from a distance of several light years (a light year is the distance light travels in one year),  would appear to those distant observers as a star does to us from our part of the galaxy. There are billions of stars within the Milky Way galaxy. And as there are billions of galaxies sprinkled throughout the known universe the number of stars is countless.  Can you understand why our own Sun is of no importance in the scheme of the known universe other than to ourselves.  Our Sun is of vital importance to us human beings because if our sun turned off it’s power right now, we would cease to exist!

The pivotal process in the creation of the Sun continues on to this very day. Aproximately 4.5 billion years ago, a gigantic gas cloud surrounded by dust particles commenced to compress. As each tiny part increased in density, it began to produce minute gravitational pulls. During an enormouse gulf of time, these minute gravitational pulls attracted other gas and dust into  increasingly smaller areas.

The further the disk of material compressed,  gravity increased and drew in  more material. Once a degree of spin commenced and pressures continued to increase, the disk began to produce heat. Combine helium and other trace elements and  a cauldron was created that eventually became our Sun.

Fusion is the process that fuels our Sun. Fusion within the Sun creates what is essentially a ball of plasma. The atomic elements that act as fuel for this process are hydrogen and helium atoms. Hydrogen comprises roughly 74 percent of the mass of the Sun.  Helium comprises approximately 24 percent and the remaining one percent consist of trace elements such as iron.

Our Sun is extremely impressive when we talk about measurement. The Sun does not possess a solid surface. However the Sun is generally considered to have a diameter of 864,900 miles.  Our Earth, by comparision, has a paltry diameter of some 7,900 miles. The Sun converts approximately 5 million tons of matter into energy every second. The temperature of the outer layer of the Sun averages roughly 11,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature at the core of the Sun is 27 million degrees Fahrenheit.  Phew…is that ever hot!

Scientists estimate that the Sun will continue  burning for another 4.5 to 5 billion years. Then at the end of it’s life the Sun will slowly move into decline. Do you think the demise of our Sun will impact on mankind by then?

Currently there is great debate as to whether fluctuations in energy output from our sun is impacting on our climate here on Earth?  Here you have some excellent basic ideas to create a fascinating science fair project. Have fun in the sun!

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Heat waves of the future will be even hotter?   Global warming will affect the Earth’s  weather systems?

We are told ad infinitum that the impacts of global warming will result in even hotter heat waves as we move forward into the 21st century.   A climate analysis branch chief, K Trenberth, of  Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, tells us that heat waves and global warming “are very strongly” connected. Recently he confirmed that studies in the last five years have shown that climate changes are most dangerous during high temperatures, droughts and flooding.

For example in recent years we have been told that persistent high pressure systems in the upper atmosphere have been preventing cooler air from reaching the West Coast of the USA.  California continues to  experience heat waves on ever increasing highs. Indications are that nights are generally warmer and  days have become drier as global warming continues unabated. Devastating fires in and around cities in California seem to get dramatically worse every summer.

Trenberth states that global warming is pushing up heat waves another notch.  Ken Kunkel,  a Director, stated that  computer models indicate that  we will experience ever increasing hotter heat waves annually.

Over the past twenty-five years  summer evenings have become steadily warmer. On top of all that studies show that heat waves in Europe have increased their frequency since 1880.  California, on the west coast of the United States seems to be getting hit the hardest due to global warming. For example,  recently the temperature in Death Valley exceeded one hundred twenty six degrees (F).

Studies conducted between 1999 and 2003 confirmed approximately nine hundred heat related deaths in the United States alone. If the science is correct then the world will see thousands of heat related deaths due to global warming in the years ahead.

As a consequence of the irrefutable data indicating that our planet is indeed getting hotter every year, governments around the globe  are trying to convince us that global warming is due to human activity. However; is such an assumption correct? This question is ideal grist for your next Science Fair Project.  Is humanity responsible for global warming, or are we experiencing just one more period of global warming that nature causes every fifty or sixty thousand years?

Wow; this topic on global warming will win you lots of credits! Have fun with this one!

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Did you know that a diamond is a mineral composed of carbon that is crystallized. A diamond is more than 99.95% pure carbon. The remaining 0.05 percent of the elements influence the crystal’s color and shape. Diamond is by far the hardest natural substance known to man. Diamonds form between 75 and 120 miles below the earth’s surface.

Only at those depths does the necessary temperature and pressure exist to form a diamond. Diamonds were uplifted to the surface by volcanic eruptions. Most of those eruptions occurred over 50 million years ago. Geologists believe that the first delivery occurred more than 2.5 billion years ago. After they surfaced some diamonds settled back into their volcanic pipes. Many diamonds were washed hundreds of miles away by floods and rivers. Other diamonds reached the oceans and were washed back onto the beach.

The first diamond mines were discovered in India prior to 500 BC. India became the world’s major supplier of diamonds for over 2,000 years and produced many of the most famous diamonds. Today, India accounts for only a tiny percentage of the world’s diamond production.

Leading diamond production leaders are currently Australia, Botswana, Russia, South Africa, Zaire and Canada. The process of transforming a rough diamond into a beautiful piece of jewelry requires several stages.

STAGE 1 – Mining The Rough Diamonds
Diamonds that made it to the surface were forced up volcanically, through kimberlite pipes. A typical pipe mine consists of a large vertical shaft with tunnels running from the main pipe. The deepest mine runs about 3,500 feet down into the earth. More than 200 tons of rock, gravel and sand need to be blasted, crushed and processed to yield just one carat of gem quality diamonds. Finding diamonds and getting them out of the ground may require the use of jet engines to thaw the frozen ground or to endure the sweltering desert heat. Only about 20% of all rough diamonds are suitable for polishing; the rest are used for industrial purposes. Once the rough is found the diamond’s journey begins.

STAGE 2 – The Rough Diamond Arrives At The Market
A significant percentage of the world’s rough supply find their way to De Beers’ Central Selling Organization (CSO). The rough the CSO buys is sorted into more than 5,000 different categories. Once the rough is sorted and priced, it is sold to manufacturers at sights. There are ten sights a year, each lasting a week. The chosen few afforded the chance to purchase at these sights are called sight holders. The balance of the world’s rough supply is sold to private buyers, and some through private auctions.

STAGE 3 – The Manufacturing Stage
Eventually the rough diamonds find their way to the cutting centers. Today, the major cutting centers are Antwerp, Israel, Bombay, Johannesburg, and New York. Upon reaching its destination the rough is carefully examined to decide how it should be cut to yield the greatest value. After the stone’s shape and size are determined, taking into consideration the rough’s shape, as well as the number and position of its internal inclusions, the stone is marked and usually sawed or cleaved.
The stone then goes through a series of cutters who each have their own specialty. Finally the diamond is polished and ready for sale.

STAGE 4 – Selling the Cut Diamond
The cut diamond needs to be sold. For decades diamond manufacturers have sold their cut diamonds to jewelry manufacturers and diamond wholesalers who in turn, sell to jewelry wholesalers and to retail jewelry stores. Today’s technology is changing the diamond pipeline. Diamond manufacturers now have a direct link to the final customer.

You now have the outline of the process a diamond follows from the time it is mined from the ground to the final stage when it is sold. Ask your Mum for a lend of her engagement ring so you can have a REAL diamond for your Kids Science Project…do you reckon Mum will lend it to you?

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Did you know that the element silver, exists in the periodic table with the symbol “Ag” and atomic number 47. Silver is a soft white lustrous transition metal. Due to the fact that it has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal, silver is widel used throughout the world, used in used in coins, jewelry, tableware, and photography. Silver occurs in minerals and in free form.

I’m sure if you looked you would have in your household several objects that are made of polished silver. For example: Silver dollars, or Silver cutlery, or photography equipment.

As silver is  just a bit harder than gold, silver is very ductile and malleable. Because of silver’s physical properties as a brilliant white metallic luster it can take a high degree of polish. Copper has replaced silver in several instances due to it’s hire cost, this is especially true for electrical purposes.

Silver has a number of other notable characteristics:

• – Silver has the whitest color of any metal

• – Silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any metal

• – Silver has the lowest contact resistance of any metal

• – Silver has the highest optical reflectivity of any metal

Silver is stable in both pure air and water, but does tarnish when it is exposed to ozone, hydrogen sulfide, or air with sulfur in it. The most common use of silver is as a precious metal and its halide salts. This is especially true of silver nitrate. Silver is also widely used in photography, which has today, become the biggest single industry in which silver is used.

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The problems for our world if we dont get to grips with global warming may prove to be disastrous for humanity. Energy issues are becoming  daily subjects in the news. Wind energy is gaining notoriety as an excellent source of green energy.

What better topical subject for your next science fair project.

Here is an overview of wind farms and their potential.

Wind Farms- an Overview

Essentially a wind farm is simply a collection of wind turbines in a location used to produce electricity. Wind farms can be found in the United States, but are far more prevalent in Europe. China is also beginning to invest large amounts of resources in wind farms as its energy needs grow.

The fundamentals of electricity production through wind farms are pretty simple. Highly efficient wind turbines are placed in locations where they will receive the maximum amount of wind energy. These turbines can be traditional horizontal windmills or vertical eggbeater windmills.

Regardless, the wind turns the blades as it passes, which turns a generator within the turbine. The turning motion converts the wind energy into electricity when the generator cranks, which is then sent into a utility company power grid or stored in batteries. This process is similar to hydropower with wind being used instead of water.

The stereotypical wind farm is an exercise in topography. The goal is to find locations where wind exists as frequently as possible. Put in practical terms, ideal spots are in areas where ground variation occurs as wind is produced when different surface areas heat up at different rates. As each surface heats up, the air rises and cooler air rushes in to replace it. Thus, we have wind. Given this situation, ideal locations for wind farms are often along shorelines or in valleys funneling winds from the shore.

Many people are under the impression that wind farms are located only in areas of land where winds are howling through valleys and over hills. While this is certainly true, the current trend is to build wind farms off the shorelines of countries.

The advantage of offshore wind farms has to do with the frequency and generation of winds. Shorelines represent fertile wind generation areas. On top of this, the open space of the ocean allows winds generated from remote locations to move towards shorelines. If you have ever spent time going sailing, you have an understanding of how strong these winds can be. On top of all of this, placing wind farms in the ocean avoids the cost of buying pricey space on land.

Wind farms are up and functioning in most first world countries. The bigger issue is getting them to produce enough energy at as low a price as possible to make them a viable energy production platform.

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Astronomy is a fascinating branch of the sciences. The night sky is jammed full of beautiful sights. One in particular, the Eagle Nebula,  is a brilliant subject for you to compile your next Science Project.

The Eagle Nebula, associated with open star cluster M16 of the Milky Way, was named for its dramatic similarity to the appearance of an eagle.  Located 7000 light years from Earth, it is a component of the constellation Serpens (for Serpent).  It was discovered in 1746 by P.L. de Cheseaux but it was not until twenty years later that the famous astronomer Charles Messier discovered it nebulosity.  Not naked to the naked eye, it can be seen under the power of a low-to-moderate power telescope.

The Eagle Nebula is what is categorized as an emission nebula.  An emission nebula is created when electrons are stripped away from molecules through the process of ionization and then recombine with protons emitting quanta of light.  Usually the photons emitted lie in the red end of the spectrum creating a red-looking nebula.  This is largely true for the Eagle Nebula with much of its glory being due to a brilliant display of red colors in addition to blue and white light.  The Eagle Nebula is a heavenly wonder.

The source of the ionization in emission nebula is energetic ultraviolet light created from hot stars shining on a cloud of hydrogen gas.  In the case of the Eagle Nebula, the ultraviolet energy comes from the blue and white stars of the M16 cluster.  These stars are interesting in that they are only approximately two million years old compared with our own sun’s age of four billion year.  However, they are considerably heavier which is responsible for the shortening their lifetime to the order of a few million years.

The resemblance of an eagle is due to the presence of three tall dark pillars of EGG’s, or evaporating gas globules.  EGG’s are composed of hydrogen gas and dust and are so dense that their constituents actually condense under the force of gravity to form new stars.  These pillars are light years in length.  The dust referred to absorbs much of the pillars’ light, giving it a dark appearance.  These dust particles are not like ordinary household dust due to being both microscopic and asymmetrical in shape.  Very little is known about them, as they have never been viewed first hand.  However this interstellar dust makes up a large component of the universe.

Although somewhat complicated, the scientific origin of the Eagle Nebula is both rich and fascinating.  The nebula itself is breathtaking, and any chance to view it should be undertaken if at all possible.  There are many different types of classifications of nebulas with as many different visible manifestations as the number of identifiable nebulas themselves.  Many beautiful images of the Eagle Nebula have been captured by the Hubble telescope, and like all images of nebulas are wonders of nature.

Now isn’t that the basis to construct a fascinating science project…have fun with this one!

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Science fair judges have specific things in mind when they review projects. Sure, they like interesting pictures, colorful displays and seeing clever ideas, but they also look for other, more specific, technical features.

Let’s take a peak at some grading sheets from a few science fairs. One school used a point system to rate the most important elements of the project. The ratings are below. What can we learn from this example judging sheet?

• Know the Scientific Method well.

• Know how to explain your project using the scientific method WITHOUT reading off your display.

• Be enthusiastic and enjoy your information. Smile.

• Create a detailed report fleshing out all the information included on your display.

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Sample 1:

1. Shows knowledge of the Scientific Method:

4 pt. Explains all 6 topics easily, shows understanding of conclusion. 3 pt. Explains at least 5 topics easily, shows understanding. 2 pt. Explains most topics with help from the board. 1 pt. Tries to answer questions asked by the judge.

2. Shows use of the Scientific Method through the board:

4 pt. Presents steps of method clearly and completely with headings 3 pt. Presents each step of method clearly 2 pt. Has each step on the board. 1 pt. Has some steps on the board.

3. Shows enthusiasm and interest in the project:

4 pt. Student is excited about the project and eagerly tells about it. 3 pt. Student is pleasant and shares information. 2 pt. Student tells about the project, when asked. 1 pt. Student answers some questions about the project.

4. Speaks knowledgeably about the project:

4 pt. Student eagerly talks with many details of the experimentation. 3 pt. Student shows understanding of the project. 2 pt. Student knows what the project is, giving minimal explanation. 1 pt. Student can answer questions when prompted.

5. Presents scientific data in a well-organized, visually appealing display:

4 pt. Board shows data in clear tables, charts, or pictures with headings. 3 pt. Board is neat and attractive, limited table, chart or pictures. 2 pt. Board has headings, using information stated. 1 pt. Board has headings and limited information.

6. Shows written evidence of research, experimentation and analysis :

4 pt. Booklet has Cover, Table of Contents, Research/Interviews. Thank you page and/or bibliography and experimentation included. 3 pt. Booklet has Cover, Table of Contents and Research/Interviews. 2 pt. Booklet has Cover and Some Research/Interview Data. 1 pt. Booklet is minimal or nonexistent.

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Sample 2:

I. Scientific Thought A. Does project follow the scientific method? B. Is the problem clearly stated? C. Are the procedures appropriate and organized? D. Is the information collected accurate and complete?

II. Creative Ability A. How unique or original is the project idea? B. Is it significant or unusual for a child this age?

III. Understanding A. Does it explain what the student learned about the topic? B. Does the project represent real study and effort? C. Does the project show the child is familiar with the topic?

IV. Clarity A. Does the student clearly communicate the nature of the problem, how the problem was solved, and the conclusion? B. Are the problems, procedures, data, and conclusions presented clearly and in a logical order? C. Does the student clearly and accurately articulate in writing what was accomplished? D. Is the objective of the project likely to be understood by one not trained in the subject area?

V. Dramatic Value A. Is the display visually appealing? B. Is the proper emphasis given to important ideas? C. Are all the components of the project done well?

VI. Technical Skill A. Was the majority of the work done by the student? B Has the student acknowledged help received from others? C. Does the written material show attention to grammar and spelling? D. Is the science project physically sound and durably constructed?

Well there you have it straight from the horse’s mouth so to say. When structuring your nex Science Fair Project you now have the “inside” information to make sure your project scores top marks!

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Did you know that in 1950, a chiropractor from America named Bernard Jensen began teaching students about the necessity of using natural foods to detoxify the body. He developed a method by which the color of the iris was used to indicate the presence of different toxins. American iridology was born. And here’s a fascinating subject for your next Kid’s Science Project.

However, iridology, or the study of disease using the color of the iris and certain color and thickness of lines across the eyeball originated in Europe, when a physician from Hungary and a Swedish pastor both noticed iris markings in connection with disease.

The physician-Ignatz von Peczely accidentally injured an owl as a child, breaking its leg. While nursing the owl back to health, the young von Peczely noticed that the thick black mark that appeared in the owl’s eye after the injury began to lessen as the owl healed. He never forgot it, and as an adult practicing his profession, he recorded that patients with bone fractures experienced the same black mark across the iris.

The Swedish pastor-Nils Liljequist-was exposed to malaria as a young man and while recieveing the treatment of quinine and iodine noticed that his blue eyes began to grow darker as the drugs built up in his system. He grew up to study homeopathic medicine and recorded similar reactions in clients who came to him for detoxification purposes.

It has been said that the eyes are the mirror to the soul. The famous Greek physician Hippocrates believed that they were also the mirror to the body-specifically for the purpose of determining various ailments. He too recorded the presence of black marks across the iris of fractured bones in his patients, and a change in the color of the eye of patients coming down with diseases.

Unfortunately, iridology cannot be used to determine a specific disease.

Practitioners of iridology use it to help patients as a preventative measure understand basic health problems in order to refer them to specialists if needed. The belief is that if a disease is detected in the very early stages it can be prevented from spreading further. The colored part of the eye-the iris-is studied for these markings and color changes by isolating the iris and taking pictures of it with a very strong lens. The process takes about an hour and is painless. The photos are then blown up and gone over with a magnifying glass by the iridologist and used to determine and identify potential ailments.

Most of these ailments are believed to be hereditary, and the patients predisposition to toxicity and disease is determined not only by the photos but with an extensive interview of family medical history. This holistic concept is well accepted by other disciplines of alternative medicine, as it is a fact that all parts of the body are related, especially when used to warn the body of an impending degenerative disease.

Under this theory, the color changes in the eyes at the very onset of the degenerative disease are used by the body to indicate an upcoming health problem, and to warn the body to seek preventative measures. The concept is not far fetched at all-take the example of chiropractors using the process of correcting the spinal alignment to help internal organs. Even conventional physicians check the eyes for signs of sickness. (Blood vessel size is an indication of the level of cholesterol.)

There is, however, some criticism toward iridology as practitioners (especially in the United States) are often not fully or thoroughly trained, as the courses offered are usually no more than two to three days in length and are put on by marketing companies who offer “certification” as an iridologist to their distributors. The result is the potential for over diagnosis with the distributor pushing their products through their “specialist.”

This tendency toward American consumerism and over marketing has given iridology a black eye (no pun intended) as a reputable form of medicine. Yoiu should be able to put together an excellent science project on Iridology using many of the above concepts.

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