Category: Fun science experiments

FREE primary school resources to celebrate British Science Week 2025!

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | Leave a Comment on FREE primary school resources to celebrate British Science Week 2025!

Are you looking for fun and simple British Science Week activities to celebrate this year’s theme, “Change and Adapt”? We’ve got you covered with a FREE science resource pack filled with hands-on experiments that your class will love!

Why ‘Change and Adapt’ is a Brilliant Theme

This year’s British Science Week theme encourages children to explore how things change in the world around them—whether through chemical reactions, forces, materials, or biological adaptation. It’s a fantastic opportunity to tie science into your curriculum in a way that’s engaging and memorable.

Free School Resources Pack – Throw A Science Party In Your Classroom!

To help you plan a curiousity-awakening, exciting (and most importantly, stress-free) British Science Week, we’ve got an amazing science freebie for you: a FREE ‘Science Party’ pack packed with six exciting experiments designed for KS1 and KS2. These hands-on activities will spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving, and bring science to life!

What’s Inside the Science Party Pack? 🎉

Each experiment explores the “Change and Adapt” theme through fun, interactive investigations that are easy to set up:

🟢 Making Chromatography Decorations – Explore how colours separate and create beautiful patterns! A perfect mix of art and science.

🔵 Bed of Pins Balloon Experiment – Discover how forces work by testing whether a balloon can survive being pressed against a bed of pins!

🟠 Fizz Pop Bang Edible Powder – Experience chemical reactions that you can taste!

🟣 Static Slime – Investigate static electricity while making an ooey-gooey slime that moves with an electric charge!

🟡 Magic Colour-Changing Icing – Learn about acid-base indicators in a fun and edible experiment that will leave your class amazed!

⚪ Incredible Invisible Ink – Uncover secret messages using simple kitchen ingredients—just like a real scientist (or spy)!

Each activity is easy to set up with minimal resources, making it perfect for busy teachers who want maximum impact with minimal prep!

Like all of Whizz Pop Bang’s science teaching resources, the science behind each activity is explained in simple, age-appropriate language, making planning and teaching these fun lessons an absolute breeze.

Find Out More About Our School Science Resources, Expertly-Written by Teachers

PLUS Here’s an Amazing Offer on School Subscriptions and Downloadable Resources!

Save 20% on our school subscriptions and downloadable resources for the first year as well as our school bundles. Simply add code SCIWEEK25 at check out.

How to Make British Science Week Unforgettable

British Science Week is the perfect opportunity to ignite a love for STEM in your classroom. Whether your pupils are experimenting with chemical changes, forces, or electricity, our Science Party Pack will keep them engaged and excited.

Download Your FREE Science Party Pack Now!

Discover more ideas for how to make British Science Week go with a bang in 2025!

Fun Ways For Parents, Teachers and Children To Celebrate British Science Week

Let’s make British Science Week 2025 a celebration of curiosity, discovery, and fun! 🚀


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Make a record-breaking paper aeroplane!

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | Leave a Comment on Make a record-breaking paper aeroplane!

Here’s a record you CAN try to beat at home. The farthest flight by a paper aeroplane made from a single sheet of A4 paper is 88.31 metres! Find out how to make another record-breaking plane here:

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to skydive without a parachute?! Head this way for the answer (and to watch a jaw-dropping video all about it!)

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


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Halloween science experiments!

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | 2 Comments on Halloween science experiments!

Are you looking for some spooky science to do at home? If you want to know how to do some Halloween experiments and make DIY Halloween decorations, you’ve come to the right place.

PLUS keep reading to find a discount code to SAVE 20% on books, binders and magazine bundles in the Whizz Pop Bang shop!

Discover how to create edible fake blood, craft a spooky window scene, turn Halloween candy into dancing Franken-worms, mix up a batch of gooey oobleck slime and carve a puking pumpkin right here. PLUS find out which issues of Whizz Pop Bang contain Halloween activities!

Want more spooky science? This month’s edition of Whizz Pop Bang is packed with it!

In Whizz Pop Bang: Spooky Science, mini scientists can…

🎃 Build a working model heart🎃 Discover how X-ray machines work🎃 Make blood cell cereal
🎃 Read bat-tastic facts
🎃 Craft a movable skeleton

Plus experiments, jokes, riddles, puzzles and more! 

Peek Inside Spooky Science

Whizz Pop Bang is our award-winning science magazine that brings science to life for children aged six to twelve (and their parents too)!

Discover how easy it is to enjoy science at home with Whizz Pop Bang magazine. Spark your child’s imagination with lab-loads of hands-on experiments, the latest science news, tantalising puzzles and amazing facts.

Subscribe today to start your child’s adventures in discovery and to inspire the scientists of the future!

Browse Whizz Pop Bang subscription packages
https://www.science-sparks.com/pumpkin-lava-lamps/

1. Pumpkin Lava Lamp

This brilliant activity by Science Sparks uses common kitchen ingredients to make a bubbling pumpkin laval lamp.

You will need:
A clear bottle or jar
A bottle of vegetable oil
Orange food colouring
Glitter
Water
Alka Seltzer (or try fizzy vitamin tablets)
Black pen and pipe cleaners for decoration

Head over to Science Sparks to find out how to make this epic lava lamp!

Save 20% On Spooky Science – Offer Ends Soon!*

Can you believe that half term is just around the corner already?! We’ve got the perfect way to keep your child entertained – Whizz Pop Bang’s epic selection of spooky experiments, awesome crafts, fascinating facts and silly jokes!

Save 20% when you use the code AUTUMN20 at the checkout!

* Use the code AUTUMN20 at the checkout. Offer ends 01.11.24

Visit The Whizz Pop Bang Shop Now!

2. Spooky window scene

You will need:
A pencil
Black card or paper
Scissors
Translucent sweet wrappers or coloured tissue paper
Sticky tack
Battery operated tea lights

What you do:

  1. Draw your design on black card or paper.
  2. Cut it out.
  3. Add the windows and cut them out.
  4. Use see-through sweet wrappers or tissue paper as window panes.
  5. Add finishing touches (we cut out bats and ghosts!)
  6. Use sticky tack to stick to a window. Add battery operated lights to make your scene glow!

Save 20% on Binders, Bundles and Books – Limited Time Offer!

Store your magazine collection in style with a Whizz Pop Bang binder. These clever binders allow readers to flick through 12 editions. There’s no need to punch holes or remove them before reading. 

Binder just £11.99 with FREE UK p&p when you use the code AUTUMN20 at the checkout!*

See Binders In The Shop

Grab bundles of 3, 6 or 12 magazines at a bargain price! With 17 different collections to choose between, you’re bound to find something to keep curious minds busy. 

This is the Autumn Science Bundle,perfect for half term!

Bundles from £11.99 with FREE UK p&p when you use the code AUTUMN20 at the checkout!*

See Bundles In The Shop

🤣 Why didn’t the Dog Star laugh at a joke?🤣 Because it was too Sirius!

This epic collection of science jokes is guaranteed to lead to giggles! 

Joke Book just £5.59 with FREE UK p&p when you use the code AUTUMN20 at the checkout!*

See Books In The Shop

* Use the code AUTUMN20 at the checkout. Offer ends 01.11.24

3. Dancing Franken-worms

Turn the contents of those overflowing trick or treat buckets into a fun learning opportunity. Find out how to use bicarbonate of soda and vinegar to make gummy worms dance over at Playdoh to Plato’s blog!

Fill half term with science with Boredom-Busting Science Bundle!

Stock up on boredom-busting science fun with this bundle of three activity-packed magazines, together with the awesome Whizz Pop Bang Science Puzzle Book.

The bundle contains:
⭐️ The awesome Whizz Pop Bang Science Puzzle Book, packed with over 150 brain-bending puzzles!
⭐️ Whizz Pop Bang magazine, Issue 10: Extreme Environments
⭐️ Whizz Pop Bang magazine, Issue 27: Spectacular Skeletons
⭐️ Whizz Pop Bang magazine, Issue 34: Shocking Science

SAVE 20% on this bundle when you use the code AUTUMN20 at the checkout!*

Save 20% On The Boredom-Busting Science Bundle Now!*

* Use the code AUTUMN20 at the checkout. Offer ends 01.11.24

4. Ooey Gooey Oobleck

Find out how to make the freaky non-Newtonian fluid, oobleck! It’s a great Halloween science activity (and it’s easy to clean up!)

You will need:
Mixing bowl
Spoon
Cornflour or custard powder
Water
Food colouring (optional)

What you do:
1. Place four heaped tablespoons of cornflour or custard powder into a bowl.
2. Add a splash of water and stir the mixture. Keep adding water a little at a time, until the mixture is about the same consistency as honey.
3. If you add too much water, add some more cornflour or custard powder.
4. Add a little food colouring if you like and mix it in.

Watch the video to find out more about the strange properties of this special substance.

Watch Whizz Pop Bang kid Poppy make some spooky oobleck!

Looking for more spooky science? These issues of Whizz Pop Bang have some simple Halloween science ideas inside!

🎃 Craft Halloween decorations, make fake blood and discover blood-sucking insects in Whizz Pop Bang 111: Spooky Science!
🎃 Make an upcycled bat garland in Whizz Pop Bang 63: Sweet Dreams
🎃 Snip and stick a spooky street scene and craft light up ghost decorations in Whizz Pop Bang 87: Starry Skies

Thanks to Henry, aged 7, for sending in pictures of his brilliant bats – find the instructions in issue 63: Sweet Dreams!

5. Puking Pumpkin Experiment

You’ve carved a pumpkin – now use science to make it even more fun with this brilliant idea from Little Bins for Little Hands! Click here for step-by-step instructions

Looking for more home science fun? From science experiments, science activities, collectible science club badges to science colouring and more, you’ll find loads of brilliant ideas right here!

Not yet a subscriber? Sign up today!

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Watch a Christmas chain fountain video!

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | Leave a Comment on Watch a Christmas chain fountain video!

🎄 Watch a chain of beads flow upwards and out of a glass – this is surely the most fun you can have with your Christmas decorations! Every year, our children look forward to this moment almost as much as the big day itself!

🎄 You’ll notice that the chain arcs over the rim of the glass, going upwards, before being pulled downwards. So how does it work? This is a cool physics problem to ponder! It happens because the chain acts like lots of connected little rods. When you pick up one end of a rod, that end of the rod goes up, and the other end tries to go down. However, if the downward force is stopped by the pile of beads below it, there is a small kickback, and the rod is pushed upwards. That upwards thrust at each link in the chain is what makes the chain rise. This is an easy activity to try for yourself at home! Just make sure that you feed the chain gradually into the glass from one end so that it doesn’t get into a tangle when it’s flowing out. You could experiment with letting the chain fall from different heights (for example by standing on a step compared to sitting down) to see if that makes a difference to the height that the chain reaches.

🎄 Have you ever seen a chain fountain in action before? Watch a Mould effect video, otherwise known as a chain fountain phenomenon video here! It’s the perfect simple science experiment to try at home!

Special Christmas Offer

Use coupon code: XMAS23

For a limited time, whilst stocks last, we’ll send you a FREE copy of the 100th edition of Whizz Pop Bang when you purchase a new subscription using the coupon code XMAS23.

Free science magazine and gift card

Imagine how excited your child will be to receive all of this on Christmas Day…

• Our movie edition ‘LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!‘ as your first magazine

• FREE copy of the ‘SCIENCE PARTY‘ magazine!

• FREE gift card printed with your message to the child

• FREE festive packaging

Plus, your child will receive a magazine addressed to them through the letterbox every month!

Each month will bring a whole new world of excitement, with topics like Ancient Greeks, Outer Space, Bees, Aliens, Rainforests and Medicines.

HURRY! Order by midnight on 17th December for your items to be dispatched by Royal Mail’s last posting date for Christmas. This offer ends on 20th December or until stocks last. Place your order today to make sure your child doesn’t miss out.

Use coupon code: XMAS23

At the checkout, when asked ‘When would you like your subscription to start?’ select ‘Delivery as soon as possible‘.

* Christmas offer only valid on new 6 and 12-monthly subscriptions using the code XMAS23. At the checkout, when asked ‘When would you like your subscription to start?’ select ‘Delivery as soon as possible.’ Order by midnight on 17.12.23 for your items to be dispatched by Royal Mail’s last posting date for Christmas. Offer valid while stocks last or until midnight on 20.12.2023. Don’t forget to use the code XMAS23 at the checkout. Not valid in conjunction with any other offers.


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COMPETITION CLOSED – WIN a Build Your Own Pinball Machine Advent Calendar!

Posted on | by Kirsty Williams | 38 Comments on COMPETITION CLOSED – WIN a Build Your Own Pinball Machine Advent Calendar!

Are you ready for a fun-filled Christmas countdown with Build Your Own’s limited edition Pinball Machine Advent Calendar.

Hidden behind each door you’ll find a new step of kit instructions. Build step-by-step over 24 days in December; the pieces come together to create a fully functioning Pinball Machine the whole family can enjoy on Christmas Eve.

A planet-friendly take on the traditional arcade game, this super cool tabletop Pinball Machine will provide hours of entertainment over the holiday period. Play alone or challenge friends and family, who will win?

We’ve got THREE Pinball Machine Advent Calendars from Build Your Own to give away to lucky winners! Kids are in for a real treat with this limited-edition advent calendar. The festive countdown just got a whole lot more fun!

To be in with a chance of winning one of three Build Your Own Pinball Machine Advent Calendars, simply answer this question in the comments:

What is fired out of most laser tag guns:

A) X-rays
B) Infrared light
C) Lasers

Good luck!

This competition closes at midnight on Wednesday 15th November 2023 and is open to UK residents only. Whizz Pop Bang competition terms and conditions are here.


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COMPETITION CLOSED – WIN a National Geographic Glow-in-the-Dark Mega Science Kit!

Posted on | by Kirsty Williams | 118 Comments on COMPETITION CLOSED – WIN a National Geographic Glow-in-the-Dark Mega Science Kit!

We’ve got three Glow-In-The-Dark sets from National Geographic to give away! Scroll down to find out how to enter.

Explore glow-in-the-dark science with PUTTY, SLIME, CRYSTALS AND MORE!

Inquisitive minds will love discovering the world of glow-in-the-dark by making glowing slime and growing their own crystals!

The National Geographic Glow-in-the-Dark Mega Science Kit is an astounding collection of experiments and activities that all glow when the lights are out!

There is so much included in this Mega Kit: one glowing crystal seed, two DIY slime powders in glowing green and glowing purple, two slime containers, one glowing putty in a storage tin, one wernerite rock, one UV light, and a full-colour learning guide that takes you through each experiment step by step. Don’t worry, if you’re not a lucky winner, this kit is also available to buy from Amazon, perfect for Christmas presents!

To win one of THREE kits, answer this question in the comments:

How do most fungi reproduce?

A) Seeds

B) Pollen

C) Spores

This competition closes at midnight on 31st October 2023 and is open for UK residents only. For full terms and conditions visit whizzpopbang.com/terms-and-conditions

Thanks to Bandai, National Geographic and Playtime PR for this brilliant prize!


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Whizz Pop Bang’s trip to Just So Festival was out of this world!

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | Leave a Comment on Whizz Pop Bang’s trip to Just So Festival was out of this world!

Team Whizz Pop Bang spent a wild weekend meeting hundreds of scientists-in-training at Just So Festival 2023. Thank you so much to Just So Festival for having us back again – we absolutely love being a part of this incredible event.

This year, we brought Jonathan Scott from the European Space Agency (ESA) along to share his amazing knowledge of staying fit and healthy in space. Jon works in the Space Medicine Team at ESA and he used his expert skills to run an Astronaut Training Camp.

Jon brought a replica space suit along for Whizz Pop Bang fans to try on!

We were overwhelmed with the turn out for Jon’s talk and it was fantastic to see so many budding astronauts! A HUGE thank you to Jon, and to all of you who came and joined in the fun. We hope you picked up a thing or two about how astronauts stay fit and healthy on board the International Space Station.

We also ran The Whizz Pop Bang Discovery Den, where young scientists could explore their five senses in some super-fun hands-on experiments.

Children were invited to visit us in ‘The Future’ area in the woodland at Just So Festival and try five different activities linked to the senses.

  • FEEL IT: run your fingers through gloopy cornflour slime (find out how to try this at home here!)
  • SEE IT: trick your brain with optical illusions
  • HEAR IT: test how well sound travels through solids compared to through air using clanger hangers
  • SMELL IT: put your sense of smell to the test
  • TASTE IT: find out how holding your nose affects flavours

They learned some amazing facts, including:

We hope to see lots of you at Just So Festival in future!


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COMPETITION CLOSED – Win a brilliant engineering bundle!

Posted on | by Kirsty Williams | Leave a Comment on COMPETITION CLOSED – Win a brilliant engineering bundle!

Do you know a budding engineer who’d love to win this awesome bundle of engineering gifts? This month we are joining forces with DK Books and Thames and Kosmos to bring you this brilliant bundle!

engineering bundle competition with DK Books Thames and Kosmos and Whizz Pop Bang science magazine

Here’s what you could win:

⭐ The Way Things Work book from DK Books: Embark on a captivating journey through the world of engineering with this acclaimed book. Discover the fascinating inner workings of machines and understand the principles behind everyday inventions. Packed with detailed illustrations and engaging explanations, The Way Things Work will broaden your understanding of the technological wonders that shape our lives.

Simple Machines mechanical engineering toy set

⭐ Simple Machines set from Thames and Kosmos: Dive into hands-on experimentation with this captivating kit. Explore the fundamental principles of mechanical engineering through a variety of interactive projects. Build and operate models of levers, gears, pulleys, and more, gaining invaluable insights into the mechanics behind simple machines. Unleash your creativity as you tinker, test, and unlock the secrets of engineering.

The Way Things Work engineering book

⭐ Engineering Magazine Bundle and Snip-Out Science Activity Book from Whizz Pop Bang: Embark on a thrilling STEM adventure with a bundle of three Whizz Pop Bang engineering magazines and paper-craft activity book! This magazine bundle is packed full of activities to get children inventing, designing and building and the activity book is stuffed with 30 projects to cut, stick and fold, all with a science twist! Test fantastic flying machines, engineer brilliant bridges, make a moveable skeleton, craft some super sea creatures and much more!

Engineering magazines for kids and Snip-Out Science Papercraft Activity Book

✨ To enter this brilliant engineering competition, head over to Facebook or Instagram, where you’ll find all the details you need to enter for your chance to win this awesome engineering bundle. ✨

Enter on Facebook
Enter on Instagram

T&C’s: This giveaway closes at midnight on Friday 30th June 2023. One winner will be selected at random from all entries via Facebook and Instagram and will be contacted in the first week of June. This competition is open to UK residents only. Winner will be informed via your original comment by @whizzpopbangmag – please be wary of scams, do not give personal details or follow any links from other accounts. For full terms and conditions visit buff.ly/3ij98Q3 This competition is in no way affiliated, endorsed, sponsored or administered by Instagram or Facebook.


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Whizz Pop Bang science party bag magazines

Posted on | by Rachael Tapping | 1 Comment on Whizz Pop Bang science party bag magazines

WPB science party bundle image

Are you planning a science birthday party for your budding mini scientist? Read on to discover how to plan the perfect science party. We’ve got a brilliant idea for plastic-free party bag favours, too!

If you want a zero waste party bag idea that won’t break and end up in the bin five minutes after the party ends, why not pick up a bundle of Whizz Pop Bang magazines? Choose from our large catalogue of back issues – why not choose your child’s favourite topic, a theme to fit the party, or something different for each guest?

If you’re buying ten or more copies, just drop us a line at hello@whizzpopbang.com letting us know what you’d like to buy and if you want UK or international postage, and we’ll send you a price within two working days.

If you need ideas for DIY science parties check out our Spy Science issue that comes with a free stargazing party planner!Whizz Pop Bang science magazine for kids Issue 13 Spy Science

Whizz Pop Bang science party ideas

Free pullout star map:

Whizz Pop Bang Science magazine for kids pull-out star map

More ideas for DIY science parties for kids:

Science party ideas take home gift
Plastic test tube filled with colourful sweets with a note to say “Thanks for coming to my science party!”

Science party ideas making slime
Science party idea for kids: make your own slime 

Science party ideas making snow
Science party ideas: making fake snow

Science party ideas Harry Potter potions
Science party ideas for kids: Harry Potter potions


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Get stuck into science this British Science Week!

Posted on | by Kirsty Williams | Leave a Comment on Get stuck into science this British Science Week!

British Science Week is an exciting annual celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the UK. This year, it’s being celebrated between 10th – 19th March (2023) and there will be a wide range of activities, events, and opportunities for children and adults to explore and engage with science held all over the UK.

There will be lots of different events and activities to get involved in. Why not do some kitchen science at home, go to a science exhibition or science fair, listen to a science talk or get involved in a citizen science project? The aim of British Science Week is to inspire curiosity, interest and excitement in STEM and to help people learn about the latest scientific discoveries and advancements.

Whether your child is already interested in science or is just curious and keen to learn more, British Science Week is a wonderful way for them to explore science and discover the many exciting things that science has to offer.

Here are some tips to get stuck into science this British Science Week:

Do some kitchen science experiments!

Home science experiments are a great way to introduce your children to the world of science. You don’t need a fancy lab to do this. Simple household items like vinegar, baking soda, food coloring, and balloons can be used to create some exciting experiments. If you’re already a Whizz Pop Bang subscriber, you’ll know just how much science fun is to be had with simple household items! Here are some free science experiments you can do at home, or why not stock up on some Whizz Pop Bang issues from the shop?

Visit the shop here.

Visit science museums or a science event

Science museums and exhibitions often have interactive exhibits that are sure to keep your children engaged, entertained and inspired about science. They will be able to see science in action and learn new things.

Science events and talks can be incredibly engaging and informative. There are so many exciting talks and events taking place during British Science Week, so why not take advantage of them? These events are an excellent way to explore science, meet scientists, and learn more about the fascinating world of science.

In the UK, you can visit: sciencelive.net to find an event near you!

Depending on where you are in the world there will most likely be a science museum, exhibition or talk you can visit.

Download the official activity pack!

The free activity packs for British Science Week 2023 are available to download now! There are different options for Early Years pack, Primary pack, Secondary pack and Community pack.

Each pack, created with the support of UK Research and Innovation and 3M, includes a wide range of fun, hands-on activities, and loads of useful information for planning your events for the Week.

Download the pack here.

Get involved in a citizen science project

Citizen science projects allow members of the public to contribute to scientific research. There are many projects that are suitable for children, such as counting birds in your garden or identifying plants and animals in your local area. You can find many citizen science projects online that you can participate in as a family.

You can search through loads of different citizen science projects here at Zooniverse.org.

Enter the British Science Week poster competition

British Science Week is having a poster designing competition all about this year’s topic – connections! Why not encourage your mini-scientist to get involved? Entries close on the 31st March and they could be in for a chance of winning one of their awesome prizes, from posters, play sets, tickets to events and books. This competition is open for children aged between 3 – 14 years old, to find out more click here.

Celebrating British Science Week is a great way to spark their curiosity and love for science. From home science experiments to immersive events, there are many ways to explore science together. We hope these tips have given you some inspiration for your science adventures during British Science Week 2023. Have fun exploring science with your children!

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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