Category: Science news

A futuristic Moon base with a child jumping on the lunar surface near Earth

MOON CITY! Could Humans Really Live on the Moon?

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | Leave a Comment on MOON CITY! Could Humans Really Live on the Moon?
A futuristic Moon base with a child jumping on the lunar surface near Earth

Imagine looking up at the Moon and knowing that people are living there!

NASA has revealed exciting plans for a huge lunar base where astronauts could live, work and explore. The Moon base could cover hundreds of square kilometres and help scientists prepare for future missions to Mars.

Although a permanent Moon base is still many years away, engineers and scientists are already working out how it could become a reality.

What is a Moon base?

A Moon base is a place where astronauts could live for long periods of time on the lunar surface.

Just like research stations in Antarctica, a lunar base would provide shelter, food, water and equipment for scientists exploring an extreme environment.

Future Moon bases might include places to live, research laboratories, power stations and even greenhouses where food could be grown.

Why does NASA want a base on the Moon?

NASA hopes that living on the Moon will help humans learn how to survive on other worlds.

The Moon is much closer than Mars, making it the perfect place to test new technology and learn how astronauts can stay healthy during long space missions.

Scientists could also study the Moon’s rocks, history and hidden resources.

How would astronauts survive on the Moon?

Living on the Moon would be very different from living on Earth.

Astronauts would need protection from:

  • Extreme temperatures
  • Dangerous space radiation
  • Tiny sharp Moon dust
  • Meteorite impacts

Future Moon bases could be built underground or covered with lunar soil for extra protection.

Scientists are also exploring ways to create oxygen, water and fuel using materials already found on the Moon.

Could children ever live on the Moon?

Nobody knows for sure, but it could happen one day.

NASA’s plans are part of a long-term effort to establish a permanent human presence beyond Earth. If future Moon bases become successful, children growing up on the Moon may not just belong in science fiction stories.

Could the first child to live on the Moon be reading Whizz Pop Bang right now?

Amazing Moon Facts

🌕 The Moon is about 384,400 kilometres from Earth.

🚀 It takes about three days for astronauts to travel there.

👨‍🚀 Twelve people have walked on the Moon so far.

🌑 The Moon has no air that humans can breathe.

🦘 Because gravity is weaker on the Moon, astronauts can jump much higher than on Earth.

Want more space science?

If you love rockets, astronauts and incredible discoveries, check out Whizz Pop Bang magazine – it’s packed with hands-on activities, fascinating facts and out-of-this-world science fun!

Want more science news?

Read the latest science news for kids on the Whizz Pop Bang blog (as well as inside every edition of Whizz Pop Bang magazine!)


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COMPETITION CLOSED: WIN one of 5 children’s science books – Zombie Spiders and Asteroid Blasters giveaway

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | 56 Comments on COMPETITION CLOSED: WIN one of 5 children’s science books – Zombie Spiders and Asteroid Blasters giveaway

Looking for a children’s science book giveaway packed with curiosity, humour and real STEM ideas?
We’re giving Whizz Pop Bang readers the chance to win one of five copies of Zombie Spiders and Asteroid Blasters – a fun, fact-filled science book that uses wild “what if?” questions to explain real physics, biology and space science to curious children aged 8–12.

What’s Zombie Spiders and Asteroid Blasters all about?

Written by science communicator Maynard Okereke, this brilliantly bonkers book takes ideas that sound impossible and explores them using real science.

Inside, readers will discover:

  • 🧠 Whether zombies could ever exist
  • 🕷️ What it would really take to create giant spiders
  • ☄️ How scientists might stop an asteroid hitting Earth
  • 🚀 The science behind sci-fi films, games and comics

Each chapter starts with a big, imaginative question and breaks it down using clear explanations, humour and evidence, helping children think like real scientists.

Why Whizz Pop Bang readers will love it

This is exactly the kind of book that appeals to curious Whizz Pop Bang fans:

  • 🔬 A fun science book for kids who love asking “how does that work?”
  • 📖 Easy to dip into – perfect for reluctant readers and confident readers alike
  • 🤯 Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving
  • 🎮 Ideal for fans of sci-fi, gaming and STEM

It’s a fantastic example of a STEM book for children that makes big ideas exciting and accessible.

How to enter this children’s science book giveaway

To be in with a chance of winning one of 5 copies, simply answer this question in the comments:

Which of these is a real type of spider?

A) Black belt spider
B) Hairy toed spider
C) Happy-bum spider

This competition closes on 28th February 2026. Click here for full terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Who is this book suitable for?
This book is ideal for curious children aged around 8–12 who enjoy science, sci-fi and asking big questions.

Do I need to be a Whizz Pop Bang subscriber to enter?
No – the competition is open to all Whizz Pop Bang readers.

Is this competition open internationally?
No, this giveaway is open to UK entries only.

Good luck!

We love sharing science books for kids that spark curiosity, stretch imaginations and show how exciting real science can be. Good luck to everyone entering – and keep asking brilliant (and slightly bonkers) questions! 💥🔍


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British Science Week 2025: Fun Ways to Get Involved

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | Leave a Comment on British Science Week 2025: Fun Ways to Get Involved

British Science Week 2025 is an exciting annual celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the UK. Taking place from 7th to 16th March 2025, this nationwide event features a variety of science activities, workshops, and events for children and adults alike. Whether you’re a budding scientist or simply curious about the world around you, there are plenty of ways to engage with science during this week-long festival.

How to Take Part in British Science Week 2025

Getting involved in British Science Week doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some easy and fun ways to explore science:

  • Try kitchen science experiments at home
  • Visit a science museum or exhibition
  • Attend a science talk or fair
  • Join a citizen science project
  • Enter the British Science Week poster competition

The goal of British Science Week is to spark curiosity and excitement about STEM subjects, making science accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

1. Try Fun Kitchen Science Experiments

You don’t need a high-tech lab to explore science—many exciting hands-on experiments can be done using everyday household items. Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and food coloring can lead to fascinating discoveries.

If you’re looking for easy science experiments for kids, check out these free home science activities or grab a copy of Whizz Pop Bang magazine for more ideas.

Visit the Whizz Pop Bang Shop

2. Visit a Science Museum or Event

Science museums and exhibitions are packed with interactive displays and hands-on experiments, making them a great way to engage kids with science. During British Science Week, many museums and venues host special STEM events, workshops, and science shows. Find your local science centre here!

Looking for science events near you? Check out the What’s On in Science Week listings to find both in-person and virtual science activities happening from 7th-16th March.

Find Your Local Science Centre

3. Download FREE British Science Week Activity Packs

The official British Science Week 2025 activity packs are now available! These free downloadable packs are designed for different age groups:

  • Early Years Pack (for preschoolers)
  • Primary Pack (for younger children)
  • Secondary Pack (for teens)
  • Community Pack (for group activities)

Each pack is filled with STEM activities, fun experiments, and planning tips for science events.

Download FREE British Week Packs

4. Get Involved in a Citizen Science Project

Citizen science projects allow anyone to contribute to real scientific research. Many projects are perfect for families, such as:

  • Birdwatching and counting garden wildlife
  • Tracking stars and planets
  • Identifying plants and animals in your local area

You can join a citizen science project online and participate from home.

Find Citizen Science Projects

5. Enter the British Science Week 2025 Poster Competition

The British Science Week poster competition is a fun challenge for children aged 3-18 years old. This year’s theme is “Change and Adapt”, and young scientists can submit creative posters for a chance to win all sorts of science prizes.

Submission deadline: 3rd April 2025

Encourage your child to showcase their creativity and love for science by entering the competition. Find out more here.

Enter the Poster Competition

Make Science Fun This British Science Week!

From DIY science experiments to museum visits and STEM competitions, there are so many ways to celebrate British Science Week 2025. Whether you explore science at home, attend an event, or take part in a citizen science project, it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn, discover, and have fun with science.

Fill your child with science wonder with a subscription to Whizz Pop Bang, the award-winning magazine for 6 to 12-year-olds. Watch their face light up with glee when their very own magazine zooms through the letterbox! Packed full of hands-on science awesomeness, it’s the gift that keeps of delighting, month after month.

Not a subscriber? Sign up here!

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Skydiving WITHOUT A Parachute?!

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Here’s a record-breaking journey that needs to be seen to be believed!

In 2016, Luke Aikins set a record for skydiving 7,6000 metres without a parachute! While travelling at 193 km/h, he steered his way to a safe landing on a bouncy net.

Watch Luke’s record-breaking fall here:

Here’s a record you can try and beat at home – find out how to fold the best paper aeroplane in the world here!

Find out more about awesomely amazing record-breaking journeys in Whizz Pop Bang 113: FESTIVE SCIENCE FUN!


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Olympics in space?!

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It wasn’t just people on Earth who were glued to the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics – astronauts on the ISS were inspired by the athletes, too! They added elements of Olympic sports to their training programmes (and it looks like they had a lot of fun doing it, too!)

Watch the astronauts who were inspired by the Olympics here!

Read more fascinating science stories like this one in every edition of Whizz Pop Bang – find out how to subscribe here!


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