A gene is a length of DNA which codes for a single characteristics or trait we inherit from our parents. Genes control every aspect of our body and how it works. Each characteristic has its own gene. Genes play a large role in how you look and everything else that makes you the person you…
Magic opening flowers are a brilliant, super simple science investigation using just paper and water. The folded paper flowers open up as the paper absorbs the water. They are a great way to learn about capillary action and transport of water in plants too. You can make these as simple or creative as you like….
Did you know that honey bees dance to share information with the rest of their colony? Bees use different types of dances to let other bees know where to find nectar ( their food source ). What is a waggle dance? Bees dance in a figure of eight and wag their tail in the middle…
Our changing climate and loss of bee friendly habitats are not good news for bees or the planet. Some species are already extinct, and many more are on the threatened list, but why are bees so important? Why do we need bees? Bees pollinate flowers Bees pollinate 75-80% of food crops worldwide. Without bees to…
Following my weather-themed science experiments, I have a collection of wind science experiments to share today! Learn about renewable and non-renewable energy. Make an anemometer to measure wind speed, a wind vane to work out which way the wind is blowing, pinwheel, storm in a jar and lots more! What is wind? The wind is…
The Beaufort Scale was named after Sir Francis Beaufort ( a hydrographer with the Royal Navy ) and lists the effects of increasing wind speeds. The scale was initially designed to show the effects of the wind on a battleship at sea. When is a hurricane warning issued? Hurricane warnings are issued when winds reach…
Wind turbines use energy from wind to generate electricity. Each turbine has a generator inside. When the blades rotate they turn the generator which produces electricity. This is a form of non renewable energy, it doesn’t get used up and doesn’t produce harmful polluting gases. You’ll need A square of paper – about 15cm x…
At Science Sparks, we love autumn with its crunchy leaves, beautiful colours, and crisp, fresh air! I’ve compiled a huge collection of autumn science experiments that you might like, and I’ve also pulled together these autumn STEM challenges to help you make the most of the changing seasons. If you’re looking for more general science experiments, try my collection…
We’ve got quite a collection of activity ideas for learning about materials and their properties so I’ve brought them all together in one very long post. If you have any more ideas, I’d love to hear them, so do leave a comment below. You could also share photos to the Science Sparks facebook page. Don’t forget…
A wind vane ( sometimes known as a weather vane ) is used to show the direction of the wind. Wind vanes are mounted so they can spin under the influence of the wind. This very simple wind vane is made by attaching a straw to the eraser end of a pencil with a pin…
End of content
End of content