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Science for Kids/Expert Profile
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 in the area
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
Co author of the book "Homebrew Wind Power" ISBN 978-0-9819201-0-8
My articles appear regularly in such magazines as Home Power and Back Home
Education/Credentials
BA Technical Journalism
Education/Credentials
BA Technical Journalism
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| shelly | 11/04/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | I was shocked with a timely reply ..... |
| Tanya Gupta | 11/04/09 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 10 | |
| Josh Paulson | 11/04/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks for all of your help. You ..... |
| Katie | 11/02/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you so much! Those are great! ..... |
| Graham | 10/06/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks Dan and enjoy your vacation |
Recent Answers from Dan Fink
2009-11-04 Separating Salt from Water:
Hi Jacquie -- Well, all a still really is, is evaporating off some stuff while leaving other stuff behind. So if you just leave salt water in a open container for long enough, the water will eventually
2009-11-04 magnets and electro magnets:
Hi Shelly -- If there is any way you can get a photo(s) of the project they are currently trying to do and send it in another query, it would help me immensely. For very simple electric motor experiments
2009-11-04 Magnetic Propulsion:
Hello Scott -- I work with magnets for a living, for a company that designs wind turbine generators that can be built in third world countries, and in your garage at home. With years of experience here
2009-11-04 continuation of magnets:
Hi Josh -- You want to get "rare-earth" magnets; the most common and inexpensive formula is Neodymium-Iron-Boron. This is often shortened to "NdFeB". If you punch: NdFeB magnet into Google, you'll
2009-11-02 magnets and electro magnets:
Hi Shelly -- By definition, anything that spins when electric current is applied is an electric motor. The magnetic fields needed can come from either permanent magnets or electromagnets, though one
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