Prepare to discover the science of explosions – with some dinosaur science on the side! Whizz Pop Bang Issue 136: Volcano Alert! is packed with hands-on activities for kids all about volcanoes, dinosaurs, lava, rocks and more. Make an erupting volcano, recreate bubbling lava, mix up chocolate rocks, collage a fiery lantern and create your own moving volcano flip book.
Make your own erupting volcano at home – and so much more
To help your child get stuck into the experiments as soon as their magazine arrives, we’ve put together this handy volcano science experiment kit list. Collect these simple supplies together before your magazine arrives so your young scientist is ready to go as soon as this edition hits the doormat.
We haven’t included basic items such as scissors and paper.
What you’ll need for the experiments in issue 136: Volcano Alert!
Discover how volcanoes shaped the dinosaurs’ world
From exploding volcanoes to dinosaurs and chocolate rocks, Whizz Pop Bang: Volcano Alert is a topic made for curious kids. They’ll discover what’s happening beneath the Earth’s surface, why volcanoes erupt and how they’ve helped shape our planet.
Want to join in with volcano science activities for kids?
Subscribe to Whizz Pop Bang and your child can enjoy a new science adventure delivered through the letterbox every month.
Did you know that Wednesday 14th October 2026 is the first ever National Magazine Day in the UK? More than 70,000 magazines are being distributed to children across the country – including stacks of Whizz Pop Bang and Hoopla magazines! We’re delighted to be involved, and so excited to think of all the science fun, creative projects, incredible facts, puzzles, jokes and more that will be landing in so many children’s hands.
But why celebrate magazines? If you’ve ever seen a child get lost between the covers of a magazine, you’ll know there’s something rather special about them. Keep reading to find out how to find free magazines below. Reading a digital copy of Whizz Pop Bang or Hoopla magazine is a great way to celebrate National Magazine Day!
Why are magazines so good for children’s reading?
Some children are born readers and think nothing of racing through a chunky chapter book before bed. But some children like to relax with something lighter, more visual, less daunting. And who doesn’t want to discover incredible facts, put pen to paper and solve some puzzles, giggle at a comic or try a craft activity?
And that’s where magazines come in!
There’s no right way to read a magazine. Children can start at the back, read a page a day (or the whole thing at once), know where to find their favourite feature, only read the headlines and look at the pictures… anything goes.
For children who find reading difficult or aren’t particularly enthusiastic about books, that freedom can make all the difference.
Magazines also offer:
Bite-sized reading: Short articles and interesting facts that don’t feel overwhelming.
Something for everyone: Whizz Pop Bang focusses on science, and Hoopla is perfect for curious, creative kids. But there are magazines available about everything from aircraft to zoos, and everything in between!
Plenty to look at: Colourful illustrations, photographs and comics that help bring the words to life.
A reason to keep reading: One fascinating fact can lead to a whole new interest.
And the best bit? Children are reading because they’ve found something they genuinely want to know about.
70,000 magazines heading into children’s hands!
National Magazine Day is part of the National Year of Reading 2026, a nationwide campaign encouraging people to rediscover the pleasure of reading.
Publishers across the UK have worked together to provide and distribute more than 70,000 magazines through schools, food banks, breakfast clubs and community organisations, helping more children access exciting reading materials.
We’re proud to have contributed a large number of Whizz Pop Bang and Hoopla magazines to the campaign.
From mind-blowing science discoveries to imaginative activities and puzzles, we hope our magazines will introduce lots of children to something new (and hopefully help them discover a love of reading along the way).
Vanilla ice cream might be even more amazing than we thought! Scientists are investigating whether vanillin, the compound that gives vanilla its delicious flavour and smell, could help our bodies heal wounds.
But before you reach for a tub of ice cream, there’s a little more to the story!
What’s so special about vanilla?
Vanillin is the main compound responsible for vanilla’s familiar flavour and smell. It’s found naturally in vanilla pods and is also manufactured for use in foods, perfumes and other products.
Now, scientists are exploring whether this sweet-smelling substance could have some surprising medical uses.
Research suggests that vanillin has several useful properties. It may help fight certain bacteria, reduce inflammation (the redness and swelling that can happen when we’re injured) and protect cells from damage.
All three could be useful when it comes to helping wounds heal.
How could vanilla help heal a cut?
When you cut your finger or scrape your knee, your body immediately gets to work repairing the damage.
First, your blood forms a clot to stop the bleeding. Then, special cells help fight germs, clean up the damaged area and build new tissue.
Scientists are interested in whether vanillin could support some of these processes. For example, it might eventually be used in special wound dressings that help protect damaged skin while it repairs itself.
However, researchers still need to carry out more tests to find out how well vanillin works and whether it’s safe and effective as a treatment.
Does this mean eating ice cream helps wounds heal?
Sadly, no! There’s no evidence that eating vanilla ice cream will make a cut or scrape heal faster.
The research is about using vanillin in carefully developed medical treatments, not eating vanilla-flavoured foods.
Still, it’s a fascinating example of how scientists can discover unexpected uses for everyday substances.
Want more amazing science discoveries?
Whizz Pop Bang is the award-winning science magazine for curious kids aged 6–12, packed with fascinating facts, hands-on experiments and exciting discoveries.
Did you know that mushrooms can make their own amazing patterns on paper? With just a mushroom and a few things from around the house, you can create a beautiful spore print and discover some fascinating fungi science!
This easy science experiment is perfect for curious kids who love exploring nature.
Watch: How to make a mushroom spore print
You will need:
A flat mushroom (use one bought from a food shop)
Plain white paper
A sprinkle of water
How to make your mushroom spore print
Carefully remove the stalk from your mushroom to expose the gills underneath.
Lay your mushroom, gill side down, onto the paper.
Sprinkle with a bit of water
Cover it with a bowl to stop the mushroom drying out or being disturbed.
Leave it undisturbed for two days.
Remove the bowl carefully then lift the mushroom off the paper to reveal your spore print!
Here’s the science…
Did you know that fungi and mushrooms don’t have seeds? Instead, they release tiny spores that look like powder or dust. The cap of the mushroom opens up and releases them from its gills. The spores blow away in the wind to grow into new fungi. In this experiment, you can catch those spores and turn them into a beautiful print.
Keep the science adventures coming…
…with a subscription to Whizz Pop Bang, the award-winning science magazine for children aged 6 to 12. Every issue is packed with experiments, discoveries and activities to try at home.
Get ready for some sky high science! Whizz Pop Bang Issue 135: Flying High is packed with hands-on activities that explore the science of flight for kids. Make a parachute, fly stunt planes and explore aeroplanes, drones, pterosaurs and amazing flying animals.
To help your child get stuck into the experiments as soon as their magazine arrives, we’ve put together this handy science of flight experiment kit list. Gather these few simple supplies in advance and your young scientist will be ready to go as soon as the magazine hits the doormat.
We haven’t included everyday basics such as scissors and paper.
What you’ll need for the experiments in issue 135: Flying High:
There’s much more than experiments inside Whizz Pop Bang Issue 135: Flying High. Find out how aeroplanes overcome gravity, why wings create lift and how everything from helicopters and hot-air balloons to birds and pterosaurs take to the skies. Investigate gravity and air resistance by making a parachute, experiment with an aerofoil then make a fly your own stunt planes.
Want to join in with the Science of Flight fun?
Subscribe to Whizz Pop Bang and your child can enjoy a new science adventure delivered through the letterbox every month.
Learn how to make dirty coins shine with this easy chemistry experiment for kids! Using vinegar and salt, discover the science of oxidation in just a few minutes.
Have you ever wondered why old coins lose their shine?
With just vinegar, salt and a few grubby coins, your child can become a mini chemist and discover the science behind oxidation in just a few minutes.
This quick experiment is perfect for curious children and uses everyday kitchen ingredients to reveal an amazing chemical reaction.
Watch the experiment
Watch our short video below to see the gleaming coins experiment in action.
You’ll need
A glass jar
200ml white vinegar
1 teaspoon of salt
Some grubby 1p or 2p coins
Paper towels
Running water
What happens?
When copper coins are exposed to air over time, they react with oxygen to form a dull layer called copper oxide.
Mixing vinegar (a weak acid) with salt creates a solution that dissolves this oxide layer, revealing the shiny copper underneath.
It’s a brilliant way to introduce children to the idea that chemistry is happening all around us—even on the loose change in your pocket!
The science behind it
Copper naturally reacts with oxygen in the air.
This reaction forms a coating called copper oxide, which makes the coin look brown and dull.
The acetic acid in vinegar helps loosen this layer, while the salt speeds up the reaction. Once the oxide has dissolved away, the shiny copper beneath is revealed.
Although it looks like magic, it’s actually chemistry!
Questions to ask your young scientist
Can you predict which coin will become the shiniest?
Why do you think older coins look dirtier than newer ones?
What happens if you leave the cleaned coin out in the air again?
Can you think of any other metal objects that change colour over time?
Safety
This experiment should be carried out with adult supervision.
Wash hands after handling coins and avoid drinking the vinegar solution.
Keep the science going!
If your child loved this experiment, they’ll love Whizz Pop Bang magazine.
Every month is packed with exciting experiments, fascinating facts, puzzles and hands-on STEM activities designed for children aged 6–12.
On Wednesday 12th August 2026, people across the UK will witness the biggest solar eclipse visible here since 1999. Depending on where you are, the Moon will cover around 90–96% of the Sun, creating an unforgettable sight.
If you’ve left it too late to buy eclipse glasses, don’t panic! There are still plenty of brilliant (and completely safe) ways to enjoy this spectacular event.
The most important thing to remember is this:
Never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection.
Even when most of the Sun is covered by the Moon, its remaining light is still powerful enough to cause permanent eye damage. Unlike a total eclipse, there is never a safe moment to look directly at the Sun during the UK’s partial eclipse.
Here are our favourite safe ways to enjoy eclipse day.
1. Use Certified Eclipse Glasses ⭐
If you’ve already got a pair, check they’re genuine before using them.
Safe eclipse glasses should:
Meet the ISO 12312-2:2015 international safety standard
Be free from scratches, tears or damage
Come from a reputable supplier
Remember:
❌ Regular sunglasses are not safe.
❌ 3D cinema glasses are not safe.
❌ Homemade tinted plastic or smoked glass are not safe.
If your glasses are damaged or you’re unsure whether they’re genuine, don’t risk using them.
2. Make a Simple Pinhole Projector
One of the easiest (and most fun) ways to watch the eclipse is to project an image of the Sun instead of looking at it.
You’ll need:
Two sheets of white paper or card
A pin
Simply make a tiny hole in one sheet of card, stand with your back to the Sun and let the sunlight shine through onto the second sheet.
You’ll see a tiny image of the Sun—and as the eclipse progresses, you’ll notice a little “bite” appearing in it!
It’s a fantastic science activity for children too.
3. Grab a Colander from the Kitchen
Yes, really!
The hundreds of tiny holes in a kitchen colander act like lots of miniature pinhole projectors.
Hold the colander so sunlight shines through onto the ground or a sheet of paper and you’ll see dozens of tiny Suns projected underneath.
As the Moon moves across the Sun, every little image changes shape.
It’s one of the easiest ways to view the eclipse (and bonus – there’s no complicated crafting required!)
4. Look Beneath the Trees
Nature has already made thousands of pinhole projectors.
The tiny gaps between leaves allow sunlight through, creating hundreds of miniature images of the Sun on the ground.
During a solar eclipse those little circles transform into tiny crescents.
Take a walk beneath a leafy tree during the eclipse and have a look—you might be surprised by what you find!
5. Watch a Live Stream
Cloudy skies? No problem.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich will be broadcasting the eclipse live online using professional solar telescopes, with astronomers explaining exactly what’s happening as the Moon passes across the Sun.
It’s completely free and a brilliant option if the British weather doesn’t cooperate.
6. Visit a Local Astronomy Group
Many local astronomy clubs and observatories hold public viewing events during eclipses.
They often provide:
Special solar telescopes
Expert guidance
Safe viewing equipment
Family-friendly activities
It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our nearest star while seeing the eclipse through equipment that’s specially designed for observing the Sun safely.
7. Can’t Wait? Watch a Solar Eclipse Simulation
This video is a realistic 3D simulation of a solar eclipse – no glasses, no special weather conditions and absolutely no patience required! This could be the perfect solution if the eclipse is a little too late, subtle or slow for a young child who wants to see what happens during a solar eclipse.
Things You Should Never Do
However tempting it might be, never:
❌ Look directly at the Sun without proper protection
❌ Use sunglasses instead of eclipse glasses
❌ Look through binoculars or a telescope without a certified solar filter fitted to the front of the instrument
❌ Look through a camera lens while wearing eclipse glasses
These can all cause serious, permanent eye damage.
Make It a Family Science Challenge
Why not turn eclipse day into a mini science investigation?
Try comparing:
Which method gives the clearest image?
Does a metal colander work better than a plastic one?
How does the projected image change every 10 minutes?
Can you spot crescent-shaped patches of light beneath different trees?
It’s a wonderful opportunity to combine astronomy, observation and a little scientific curiosity.
Whether you’re using eclipse glasses, a homemade projector or simply watching online, there are plenty of safe ways to experience one of nature’s most spectacular shows.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed for clear skies! 🌞🌙
Imagine going back to work after a few weeks away, only to discover that thousands of wasps have moved into your office!
That’s exactly what happened to Eilish Rothney, a nature reserve manager at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. While she was busy carrying out wildlife surveys, a colony of wasps quietly built an enormous nest around a bookshelf inside her office.
By the time she returned, the nest had grown to around one metre tall and wrapped itself around boxes, shelves and ring binders.
Instead of trying to destroy it, Eilish decided to let the wasps carry on with their important work.
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust protects wildlife and wild places across Norfolk while helping people discover and enjoy nature.
If you’d like to explore more incredible wildlife stories, visit the Norfolk Wildlife Trust website and discover why every creature — even wasps — has an important role to play.
Curious about nature?
Whizz Pop Bang is the award-winning magazine for curious children aged 6–12. Every month it’s packed with amazing science news, experiments, wildlife, engineering, space, puzzles and hands-on activities to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Calling all space fans! If your child dreams of exploring space, this brand-new immersive experience should be high on your family’s summer holiday list.
Credit: Smithsonian Institution & Fever
This summer, there’s an awesome new immersive experience at London’s Science Museum. Using virtual reality (VR) technology, ‘Starstruck’ takes you on a journey through the universe, exploring stars, black holes and galaxies.
Credit: Smithsonian Institution & Fever
Whizz Pop Bang went along for a sneak preview before the exhibition opened and we can confirm that it really is out of this world!
We also got to meet awesome ESA astronaut Meganne Christian and discuss black holes with Cambridge University’s astronomy professor and black hole expert Sera Markoff!
Planning a trip to London this summer? If your family loves space, science and immersive experiences, Starstruck looks like a fantastic way to explore the universe together.
Book your tickets and prepare for an unforgettable journey among the stars.
What does it take to become a real outdoor explorer? That’s exactly what your child is about to discover… because the latest Whizz Pop Bang is packed with survival science, hands-on experiments and wild adventures.
This month, scientists-in-training can: 🏕️ Build a survival shelter 🔥 Learn how to build a campfire safely 🧪 Test which materials conduct heat best 🍌 Make bonfire-baked chocolate bananas 🫓 Cook campfire quesadillas And so much more!
Here’s a kit list to help you get ready for Whizz Pop Bang 133. As ever, there’s so much science fun to be had, even if you don’t have every single thing on the list. There’s one you can print out below, too!
