Category: How Stuff Works

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

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | 6 Comments on 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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Enter our competition to win four fun, fact-packed science books for kids aged 6-12! Space, aliens, climate change and beetles await

COMPETITION CLOSED: WIN A Brilliant Bundle of Science Books for Curious Kids!

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | 39 Comments on COMPETITION CLOSED: WIN A Brilliant Bundle of Science Books for Curious Kids!

We’ve got an amazing array of books to give away, perfect for curious children who love bugs, space, aliens and saving the planet! Thank you to our friends at Flying Eye Books for these gorgeous prizes!

Cover images of four intriguing science books for children

Three lucky winners will each receive a set of four fantastic, fact-packed books that blend science, adventure and BIG questions about the universe. Here’s what’s up for grabs…

Bonkers About Beetles book cover - a kids' science and natural history book about amazing insects

🪲Bonkers About Beetles by Owen Davey
This beautifully illustrated shines a light on the toughest bug in the insect world: brawny beetles!

Cover image of Cosmo Park – a colourful children's comic about space.

🪐 Cosmo Park by Madeleine Finlay and Tom Dearie
Jump aboard a hover-buggy and zoom through a cosmic theme park in this vibrant comic-style book! Learn all about black holes, galaxies and the freezing end of the universe – all wrapped up in colourful illustrations and mind-blowing facts.

Weird and Wonderful Ways to Save the Planet cover – illustrated eco ideas

🌱 Weird and Wonderful Ways to Save the Planet by Madeleine Finlay and Jisu Choi
Can beetles, seaweed or human poop help fight climate change? Find out in this funny, fact-filled book bursting with unusual eco-solutions and inspiring ideas to help protect our planet.

👾 The Unexplained: UFOs by Adam Allsuch Boardman
Are we alone in the universe? Explore the mysterious world of UFOs in this graphic guide packed with alien sightings, strange encounters, and fascinating theories. Perfect for kids with big imaginations and even bigger questions.

How to enter

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this question in the comments:

Which one of the below is not a type of beetle?

A) Rose chafer
B) Ninety-nine-spot beetle
C) Rainbow leaf beetle

Competition closes at midnight on 30th June 2025. For full terms and conditions, see https://www.whizzpopbang.com/terms-and-conditions/

Why you’ll love these books 💫

  • Bursting with bright illustrations and real science facts
  • Perfect for reluctant readers and bookworms alike
  • Supports STEM learning in a fun and accessible way
  • Endorsed by experts like Professor Catherine Heymans, Astronomer Royal for Scotland!

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COMPETITION CLOSED – WIN A Beautiful Book About Light!

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | 35 Comments on COMPETITION CLOSED – WIN A Beautiful Book About Light!

This month, you could win science books for kids! We’re giving away four copies of Light: The Extraordinary Energy that Illuminates Our World by Dr Jess Wade.

Have you ever watched the sky at night? Even when it looks very dark outside, the night sky is never completely black. There is always LIGHT on our planet.

Learn all about the mind-bending science of light in this fascinating non-fiction picture book written by physicist Dr Jess Wade and illustrated by Ana Sanfelippo. Discover the inner workings of rainbows and so much more in this beautiful book – it’s an essential addition to any budding scientists’ bookshelf.

We have four copies of Light by Dr Jess Wade to give away! To be in with a chance of winning, answer this question in the comments:

What is the scientific name for Earth’s moon?
a. Moon
b. Europa
c. Titan

Competition closes at midnight on 31st May 2025. We reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equal or greater value if circumstances beyond our control make it necessary to do so. For full terms and conditions, see https://www.whizzpopbang.com/terms-and-conditions/


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Win Maddie Moate's new book, How Doess It Work

COMPETITION CLOSED. WIN Maddie Moate’s new book: How Does It Work?

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | 10 Comments on COMPETITION CLOSED. WIN Maddie Moate’s new book: How Does It Work?
Win Maddie Moate's new book, How Doess It Work

Set off on a curious adventure with everyday objects in science presenter, Maddie Moate’s brand-new book! In How Does It Work, you can find out about all sorts of everyday objects and machines – from microwaves to smart speakers, playground roundabouts to supermarket checkouts!

If you’re a Maddie mega-fan, you need to have a look in Whizz Pop Bang: The Sugar Lab. She told us all about what it’s like to share her love of science on TV, YouTube and on stage.

Find The Sugar Lab in the Whizz Pop Bang Shop!

We’ve got two copies of How Does It Work by Maddie Moate to give away to two lucky Whizz Pop Bang fans! To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer this question in the comments:

What does an apiarist look after?
A) Apes
B) Bees
C) Cats

Competition closes at midnight on 30th April 2025. For full terms and conditions, see https://www.whizzpopbang.com/terms-and-conditions/


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Watch what happens when a rocket breaks the sound barrier

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | Leave a Comment on Watch what happens when a rocket breaks the sound barrier

Have you ever wondered what happens when a rocket breaks the sound barrier? This clip shows the Atlas V rocket launching and then reaching supersonic speeds. The shock wave made by the rocket breaking the sound barrier can actually be seen rippling across the sky! Watch this mini movie to see it for yourself:

Don’t want to watch the entire launch? The big moment happens at 1:52 – click below to start watching a few seconds before it.

In Whizz Pop Bang 115: Make Some Noise, you can read about 10 Awesomely Amazing Things That Can Beat Sound In A Race – including a whipping diplodocus tail, a speeding bullet and a supersonic jet plane! You can find lots more science-, fact- and activity-packed editions of Whizz Pop Bang in our shop.


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How does huddling help penguins stay warm?

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | Leave a Comment on How does huddling help penguins stay warm?

Many animals, including walruses, penguins and monkeys, huddle in groups to keep warm. The centre of a huddle of Emperor penguins can reach 24℃ when the air temperature is as low as -40℃!

Watch a video about how huddling works here!


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COMPETITION CLOSED – WIN Humungous Fungus by Lynne Boddy

Posted on | by Jo at Whizz Pop Bang | 74 Comments on COMPETITION CLOSED – WIN Humungous Fungus by Lynne Boddy

Professor Lynne Boddy is a woodland fungi expert at Cardiff University and she told us all about her amazing career in Whizz Pop Bang 99: Fantastic Fungi.

Lynne has written a beautiful book, Humungous Fungus, an exploration of all things fungi which will amaze young readers, and open their eyes to the fungi thriving all around them and we’ve got four copies to give away!

Simply answer this question in the comments for your chance to win a book.

Which one is a part of a mushroom?
a) Gill
b) Hill
c) Spill

Good luck!

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

Humongous Fungus, written by Lynne Boddy and illustrated by Wenjia Tang. DK, £12.99. Out Now. 


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COMPETITION CLOSED: Win a brilliant bundle of crafty STEM prizes!

Posted on | by Kirsty Williams | Leave a Comment on COMPETITION CLOSED: Win a brilliant bundle of crafty STEM prizes!

We’re getting crafty with Build Your Own for December’s online competition! Enter our competition to be in for a chance of winning one of THREE bundles! Build Your Own’s new eco-friendly, STEM-inspired Periscope and a Whizz Pop Bang Snip-Out Science Book filled with 30 projects to cut, fold and stick!

Build a fully functioning periscope with this incredibly clever kit from Build Your Own. Simply press out the parts then slot them together to construct a fun, lightweight and ergonomically designed periscope with a wide viewing area and extendable telescopic tube.

Everything you need to create the periscope is inside the box, including easy-grip handles which make the Periscope super easy to use and two high-quality mirrors ensure a bright, sharp image; also comes with a safety cap to protect the mirrors.

Even better, it’s made from sustainable cardboard using minimal plastics, the Periscope is stealth black with metallic silver detail with a sleek in design and will look great on the shelf when not in use.

The awesome Whizz Pop Bang Snip-Out Science 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!

It’s printed on high-quality uncoated paper, designed to be snipped out and experimented with! The book is slightly larger than A4 in size and contains 64 action-packed pages, based on the paper activities from the Pullout sections of Whizz Pop Bang. With so many projects to get stuck into, it’s sure to keep your child busy for hours and hours!

Will you be a lucky winner?

We are running this competition on Instagram and Facebook only! Head over to our socials to find out how to be in for a chance of winning one of three of these awesome bundles.

Enter on Facebook
Enter on Instagram

T&C’s: This giveaway closes at midnight on Saturday 31st December 2022. Three winners will be selected at random from all entries via Facebook and Instagram and will be contacted in the first week of January 2023. This competition is open to UK residents only. Winner will be informed via the original comment you made on the appropriate platform and will be from @whizzpopbangmag – please be wary of scams, do not give personal details or follow any links from other accounts. For full terms and conditions visit http://buff.ly/3ij98Q3?fbclid=IwAR0eEqSY-V9JtUvvaYsKhjvmSRBURmapUOmYBaR7hl5XESRIS3hdqsWTqHI. This competition is in no way affiliated, endorsed, sponsored or administered by Instagram or Facebook.


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Make a wind turbine

Posted on | by Kirsty Williams | Leave a Comment on Make a wind turbine

Whizz Pop Bang is the world’s most awesomely amazing kids’ science magazine, bursting with hands-on experiments, facts and fun, and we want to help support you when teaching your children about science!

Here is a FREE printable, hands-on science experiment to make a model wind turbine which will help you entertain, excite and educate any primary aged child!

Our science activities are downloadable and printable and are designed for children from 6 to 12, but this downloadable activity is particularly perfect for year 2, P3 (Scotland) and 6-year-olds and 7-year-olds as they tie in with the relevant National Curriculum objectives and topics.

Print, cut and craft a working wind turbine!

You will need:
Printable template (below)
A paper straw
A wooden skewer
A stapler and staples
A few beads that are large enough to thread onto the skewer
Sticky tack

Bonus activity: upside-down glass experiment

This activity is taken from Whizz Pop Bang’s Awesomely Amazing Science Club – download the entire pack here!

Wind-turbine-instructionsDownload
Wind-turbine-printableDownload

If you have any comments or questions about our free year 2 science experiments and reading comprehensions, please leave a comment for us. Or do you have any science homeschool ideas or general home educating ideas for 6 and 7-year-olds? We’d love to hear from you!

Find loads more science activities, puzzles and games in our award-winning monthly kids science magazine, Whizz Pop Bang!

Whizz Pop Bang magazine and teaching resources are brilliant ways to enhance your school’s science teaching:

  • We provide downloadable science lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, hands-on investigations and science reading comprehensions written by primary school teachers.
  • Whizz Pop Bang teaching resources link to the National Curriculum, ensuring correct coverage.
  • All of our resources are year group specific, ensuring progression between the years.
  • We make cross-curricular links to other subjects, such as English, Maths, History, Geography, Art, Design and Technology and PSHE.

Prices from as little as £197.99 per year for a copy of Whizz Pop Bang magazine through the post each month and whole-school access to our ever-growing library of downloadable teaching resources, with unlimited teacher logins.

We’ve also launched a new individual membership option so teachers and home educators can access all of our amazing downloadable resources for just £20 for the whole year. 


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Have you ever wondered how pencils are made?

Posted on | by Kirsty Williams | Leave a Comment on Have you ever wondered how pencils are made?

Watch this video to find out!

Find out more in Whizz Pop Bang 80: Amazing Atoms and Extraordinary Elements! Learn all about how pencils are made, the history of pencils, how many words a pencil can write and more!

Buy this issue!

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 today!


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