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Janna Privette

STEM Content Managing Editor

Science Buddies staff

Hi! I'm Janna, a geologist turned high school science teacher and now the STEM Content Managing Editor at Science Buddies. In my role, I lead the development of exciting science and engineering projects in diverse, cutting-edge fields and help support teachers and students in carrying out their own science projects.

Growing up, I was lucky to be exposed to a lot of hands-on science, including participation in several science fairs. These experiences, combined with a love for the outdoors, inspired me to pursue a B.A. in Geology at Whitman College and an M.S. in Geology at Boise State University. I loved studying geology because it allowed me to look at a landscape and use the rocks as clues to interpret what happened there in the past — geology is sort of like being a rock detective! My research interests were primarily in geoarchaeology (using geology to learn about ancient humans), remote sensing (using satellite imagery to learn about Earth processes), and aeolian geomorphology (sand dunes!).

After finishing my master's, I shifted to teaching high school science to bring those same inspiring experiences I had growing up to my students. I taught a little bit of everything, from Earth Science to Anatomy & Physiology, but my favorite was a course I developed where students developed their own science fair projects! My students created incredible projects, several of which were good enough to qualify them for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The best part, though, was seeing how they gained confidence in themselves as scientists. I love working at Science Buddies because it allows me to broaden this impact, helping more students and teachers engage deeply with science and engineering projects.

I live in rural Idaho with my husband, two kids, five dogs, and two cats. When I'm not helping create awesome science projects, you'll find me outside fly fishing, rafting, camping, and hiking.

Recent Projects

Which Filtration Material Leads to the Best Drinking Water?
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
Do you filter your tap water before drinking? Many commercials claim these filters make your drinking water cleaner and safer. But what, exactly, are these filters doing, and is the water really cleaner afterward? The cleaning power comes from their filtering material, called activated carbon. It exists in various forms: powder, granules, foams, and blocks. Do you think it matters what type of activated carbon is inside the filter? In this project, you will investigate whether larger or smaller… Read more

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