Biology

Age 4 - 6 | Age 7 - 10 | Biology | Chemistry | Early Years Science | Everyday Materials | Materials and their Properties | Preschool Science | Sensory and Messy Play | Understanding of the World

Waterproof a Chicken Investigation
ByEmma Vanstone February 23, 2012February 28, 2023

This is a brilliant investigation for finding out how waterproof different materials are. I printed a picture of a chicken and asked the children to colour it in, then gave them a selection of materials to protect the chicken from water. What you need Instructions Place the squares of material over the picture. Sprinkle water…

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Biology | Preschool Science

Fun Sparks: Bursting the cocoon! Caterpillar Fun.
ByEmma Vanstone February 16, 2012February 28, 2023

The transformation from Caterpillar to butterfly is one that hooks in children, however old they are. We are big fans of the Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle in this house, and it is a great way to introduce the lifecycle of a caterpillar. Firstly we read the story. Then we talked about a cocoon and…

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Biology | Preschool Science

Fun Sparks – Emotion Posters
ByEmma Vanstone February 2, 2012January 1, 2013

Your brain is made up of billions of specialised cells called neurones that transmit information by chemical and electrical signals. They control every thing we do, right down to how we feel – our emotions. It is thought an area on the side of the brain called the amygdala controls how we feel – excited to…

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Age 4 - 6 | Age 7 - 10 | Animals, Including Humans | Biology | Humans and Health

Make a play-dough brain!
ByEmma Vanstone January 30, 2012March 10, 2023

The brain is one of the most fascinating organs, so today, we’re going to make a model brain. The brain is the control centre of your body, and it sits in your skull at the top of your spinal cord. When we mention the word ‘neuroscience,’ most people switch off and think it is something they…

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Biology | Science Questions

What is Yeast?
ByEmma Vanstone January 21, 2012June 16, 2021

Yeast is a living single celled organism commonly used in baking. Yeast is a type of leavener ( baking soda and baking powder can also be used as leavening agents ). Yeast converts sugar and starch ( from the sugar and flour in the bread mix ) into carbon dioxide and ethanol. The carbon dioxide…

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Age 11 - 16 | Age 7 - 10 | Biology | Scientific Enquiry

Tea bag diffusion!
ByEmma Vanstone January 2, 2012February 23, 2023

I love a good cup of tea. In fact, I cannot actually function without one first thing in the morning. If you’re like me, then this investigation is definitely needed in your house so that you can ensure your kids are equipped with the best tea-making skills and have the best scientific knowledge to back…

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Biology | Preschool Science

Fun Sparks Making bird feeders
ByEmma Vanstone November 24, 2011July 16, 2025

Winter can be a tough time for birds. Whilst we are tucked up under our blankets drinking hot chocolate, birds are out there facing the harsh conditions of winter. Although many stay in this country the hardened cold weather can put them at risk. Food is in shorter supply and if an ice frost creeps…

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Age 11 - 16 | Biology

Making Bread – Respiration in action!
ByEmma Vanstone November 7, 2011July 16, 2025

Respiration is a fundamental biological process. It is the process by which energy is made so that all the chemical reactions can occur in your body. Respiration is the reaction between glucose (from food) and oxygen in the air you breathe to produce carbon dioxide and water (waste products) and the all-important ENERGY! We can…

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Biology

A prickly craft with Hedgehogs!
ByEmma Vanstone October 13, 2011October 13, 2012

It’s Autumn here in the UK and the leaves are beginning to fall and go crisp under your feet. The trees are a variety of colours and there are seeds galore. It is the perfect time to get out and about and collect things like acorns, conkers, leaves, twigs, and feathers. Which is exactly what…

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Age 11 - 16 | Biology | Egg Experiments | Egg Experiments | Kitchen Science

Osmosis and Shrinking Eggs!
ByEmma Vanstone August 29, 2011January 18, 2023

Welcome to a very eggy week on Science Sparks! Shrinking eggs is the first of 3 egg based experiments, so if you like this one, pop back later in the week to see what else we have been up to! This experiment looks at osmosis. Osmosis is the net movement of water molecules across a…

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