From the category archives:

Life and Living

Wordless Wednesday – Baby Tomatoes

May 16, 2012 Life and Living

It has come to my attention that some people think I can grow plants. In reality, I have a black thumb. I can germinate them, but then they always die, or go mouldy, or are blown away in a cyclone (seriously!) or are otherwise stunted and sickly. So here I am very proudly showing off [...]

A Set of Science Songs

May 11, 2012 Earth and Beyond

We had another couple of days without internet which is why there was no quiz posted on Tuesday. Even the trusty 3G failed so no mobile devices either. It gave me an excuse for a trawl on YouTube to find some fun and interesting videos to share instead. An easy way to finish the week. [...]

Amphibian Answers

May 4, 2012 Life and Living

1. Amphibians are the only group of animals with legs like us (bones, organs etc – the tetrapods) that are not adapted to have young on dry land. Although this breaks down a little because there are some who have live young, such as stomach-brooding frogs or some caecilians. It’s nice and simple for [...]

Palmar, Power, Precision, and Prints – Hands and fingers for all ages

May 3, 2012 Activities

Hands are one of the things that have made humans so successful, you could call them fundamental to what we are. But they aren’t unique or specialised. In fact it’s pretty much the opposite – every primate and lots of other little brown animals have hands. Horses’ hooves are specialised. We have been successful by [...]

Quiz – the Amphibian Edition

May 1, 2012 Life and Living

Kermit said it’s not easy being green, but how much do you know about him? What are amphibians? Are they poisonous? Why are amphibians medically interesting? How big do they get? And what’s up the top? Photo by LoKiLeCh Answers here, with video of multi-coloured frogs.

Electric Answers

April 27, 2012 Earth and Beyond

1. The word ‘electric’ comes from the Greek elektron, amber. Rubbing amber with wool or fur produces static electricity and the amber attracts small pieces of ash or paper. The Greeks thought it was a form of magnetism in non-metals. It wasn’t until 1600 that it was recognised as different. 2. Lightning is a [...]

Quiz – The Electric Edition

April 24, 2012 Energy and Change

Electricity isn’t just that thing that makes your computer and lights work. It’s all around and inside us as well. Where did the word ‘electric’ come from? How do lightning bolts work? Why do we need transformers? How does your body use electricity? How do the critters up the top use electricity? Answers here.

Birds Walk on Their Toes

April 23, 2012 General science

In fact so do a lot of other animals, this walking on ‘feet’ business isn’t as simple as it seems. If you have a look at this photo something looks distinctly wrong about that bend in the middle. (Photo by Frank Vincentz) And this one, that looks right for a finch, but isn’t it wrong [...]

Toy Answers

April 15, 2012 Babies

What do you know about the things your little one is playing with? Close your eyes and click for the questions. 1. In spite of all the lovely pastel things in shops and our desire to smother our delicate little newborns in pale colours, they can’t really see them properly. They see contrast [...]