March Science Blog

Date: 24th May 2023 @ 3:04pm

Welcome to our March Science Blog!

Do you love learning about the world around us? If so, you will love our Science Blog!

Each month you will:

• Learn about a famous scientist and their work
• Find out what to look out for in nature this month
• Discover fun facts about different areas of science
• Have a go at a scientific investigation
• Test your knowledge in our Quiz

We hope you have fun!

Scientist of the month

ERNEST RUTHERFORD (1871-1937)

Ernest Rutherford discovered the structure of the atom, figuring out that most of an atom’s mass is at its centre ( nucleus ) with the rest being mostly empty space. Rutherford also found that the nucleus could be broken apart if struck by another high energy particle. He created a new science known as nuclear physics.

Kids Activities Blog have a great activity where they show you how to make a model of an atom.

What to look for in nature in March

Beam for the Butterflies

It may seem a little early for butterflies, but on sunny March days their appearance is a welcome sign that warmer days are on their way. Red admirals, small tortoiseshells and peacocks all hibernate in the UK as adults, so are among the first appear in gardens and parks looking for early flowering plants to feed. Good flowers for them include crocuses, narcissus (not deep trumpeted daffodils) and the humble dandelion – let the weeds grow for an early butterfly show!

Hungry hedgehogs

Watch out for hungry hedgehogs beginning to emerge from their winter slumber. Some of them have been asleep since mid-December so will have lost up to a third of their bodyweight! With the numbers of hedgehogs in decline, you can help put a spring in their step by offering them a drink of water or snack or two – cat or dog food is best.

Hush for the Song Thrush

The song thrush begins to sing in March. But unlike the great tit, its song writing skills are a little more developed. Males master up to 100 different phrases, ‘borrowing’ some from their neighbours, to create a chain of melody sung brightly and proudly from a high branch. They are great mimics, with some males including man made sounds within their repertoire. Take a moment to listen out for them in your garden, local park or nearby woodland.

Fun Facts! 

HUMAN FACTS

*99.9% of the DNA of each person is the same.

ANIMAL FACTS

*Only hummingbirds can fly backwards.

FACTS ABOUT THE SUN

*The immensely strong gravity of the Sun keeps objects in the solar system orbiting around it.

Try this at home:

Have a go at this month’s investigation, “Square Bubbles”.

Square-bubbles-Instructions.pdf

Why not share what you do in the Kid Zone on the School Blog?

Science Quiz

How much do you know about the Human Body?

Here are 20 questions to test your knowledge.

1. What is the name of the biggest part of the human brain?

2. The coloured part of the human eye that controls how much light passes through the pupil is called the?

3. What is the name of the substance that gives skin and hair its pigment?

4. The muscles found in the front of your thighs are known as what?

5. True or false? The two chambers at the bottom of your heart are called ventricles.

6. What substance are nails made of?

7. What is the human body’s biggest organ?

8. The innermost part of bones contains what?

9. True or false? An adult human body has over 500 bones.

10. How many lungs does the human body have?

11. Another name for your voice box is the?

12. The two holes in your nose are called?

13. Your tongue is home to special structures that allow you to experience tastes such as sour, sweet, bitter and salty, what is their name?

14. The bones that make up your spine are called what?

15. The shape of DNA is known as?

16. The flow of blood through your heart and around your body is called?

17. The bones around your chest that protect organs such as the heart are called what?

18. What is the name of the long pipe that shifts food from the back of your throat down to your stomach?

19. True or false? Your ears are important when it comes to staying balanced.

20. The outside layer of skin on the human body is called the?

The answers will be on April’s Science Blog.

Here are the answers to the Electricity Quiz from February’s Blog:

Need even more Science?

Starters for STEM are 10 activities that parents can use at home to help children develop their science, technology, engineering and maths skills. These activities are easy to resource and provide children with the stimulus to talk about the world around them. If you see a link, you can explore how to extend these activities, you will need to sign up, for free, to access these materials.

08_Starters for STEM_11 May.pdf