We chat to Dr Ronx!

You’ve probably seen the incredible Dr Ronx on Operation Ouch! on CBBC – now they’ve written a book called Little Experts: Amazing Bodies. We asked them all about it, and about their exciting job as a doctor in a hospital’s Accident and Emergency department. Want to win a copy of their book? Keep scrolling to find out how!

Dr Ronx Ikharia
Emergency medicine doctor, TV presenter and author

I first realised I wanted to be a doctor when I was 12

I was watching ER, a hospital drama on TV. 

I’ve written a book called Amazing Bodies!

It’s a lighthearted but informative book introducing the human body to kids. I never ever thought I would write a book, but now that I have I want to write more! I sometimes found it difficult to focus and concentrate, but would take myself to a quiet place, and write little and often. I also enjoyed learning new facts about the human body, and remembering facts I learnt at medical school and had forgotten! 

Winning a gold Blue Peter Badge was the most exciting moment of my career

I won it with Operation Ouch! on behalf of the NHS. 

I like meeting different people every day

It’s part of the job of being a doctor – especially when you work in A&E: you don’t know what’s going to come through the door and what problems they’re going to have. I really enjoy talking to them and working out how to make them better. 

There are lots of challenges in my job…

My personal challenges are timekeeping, and making sure I go home on time! I also have to make sure I’m looking after myself: eating well, sleeping properly, doing exercise… And at work, it’s very very busy! Sometimes there are more people than we have time to see, meaning that people get upset because they’re left waiting a very long time, and we have to manage their expectations. 

If you want to be a doctor, you have to work hard at school

Make sure you’re good at biology, maths and sciences, but keep up your interests outside of science too: sport, music, and so on. Make sure people know you want to be a doctor so that parents, teachers and caregivers can help you and give you advice. Always be kind. Remember, medicine is great but hard, so it’s not a bad idea to have a back up. Stay curious, keep interested, and ask questions. 

Little Experts: Amazing Bodies is out now, published by Red Shed.


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COMPETITION CLOSED – WIN Dr Ronx’s new book!

Emergency doctor and TV presenter Dr Ronx has written a book all about our amazing bodies, and we’ve got FOUR copies to give away to Whizz Pop Bang fans!

Amazing Bodies by Dr Ronx is part of the new Little Experts series, where experts share their knowledge with readers like you! Take a tour around the human body, discovering why we have skin, how our joints work and how long it takes for blood to pump around our bodies along the way. This gorgeously-illustrated book covers spongey brains, gooey guts and everything in between!

We chatted to Dr Ronx all about their amazing career and what it’s like writing a book – click here to read what they had to say!

Also available in the Little Experts series:
Why Money Matters by Deborah Meaden, entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den investor
Marvellous Vehicles by James May, writer, broadcaster and Top Gear host

Want to win a copy? We’ve got four to give away! To enter the competition, simply answer the following question in the comments:

Where would you find the cerebrum?

a) In the brain

b) In the knee

c) In the eye

The competition closes at midnight on 16th July 2023. For full terms and conditions, please visit: https://www.whizzpopbang.com/terms-and-conditions/.

Want to know more about Whizz Pop Bang – the awesomely amazing science magazine for kids?

  • Whizz Pop Bang is an award-winning science magazine that brings science to life for children aged six to twelve (and their parents too)!
  • Each monthly issue is packed with experiments, puzzles, science news, crafts, jokes, inspiring scientists, competitions and more!
  • Our aim is simple – to help children develop a love of science. We love to imagine what they might discover or invent one day!


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COMPETITION CLOSED – Win brilliant science books by Dr Helen Scales!

Helen Scales is a marine biologist, writer, broadcaster, teacher and scuba diver who stars as our Science Hero in Whizz Pop Bang 96: Coasts. Read more about her in this issue, now available in our shop. She tells us all about her exciting job, including some of the books she has written, and we’re so excited to have five sets of two of these books to give away to mini marine biologists!

Scientists in the Wild: Galápagos by Helen Scales follows a group of marine biologists as they set sail to study the amazing wildlife and habitats of the Galápagos. To get the job done they will climb volcanoes, get sneezed on by marine iguanas, watch dancing birds, launch a deep-diving submersible and explore the dazzling underwater wonders of Galápagos.

Great Barrier Reef by Helen Scales (released 6th July 2023) introduces this incredible, intricate Australian ecosystem to young readers. Discover the plant and animal inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef in this beautifully illustrated book, then find out what we can all do to ensure its survival.

To enter the competition, simply answer the following question in the comments:

Where is the Great Barrier Reef?

a) Australia

b) South America

c) Antarctica

The competition closes at midnight on 31st July 2023. For full terms and conditions, please visit: https://www.whizzpopbang.com/terms-and-conditions/.

Want to know more about Whizz Pop Bang – the awesomely amazing science magazine for kids?

  • Whizz Pop Bang is an award-winning science magazine that brings science to life for children aged six to twelve (and their parents too)!
  • Each monthly issue is packed with experiments, puzzles, science news, crafts, jokes, inspiring scientists, competitions and more!
  • Our aim is simple – to help children develop a love of science. We love to imagine what they might discover or invent one day!


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Teaching about pulleys in year 5

Are you looking for planning resources for teaching forces in year 5? Here’s how you can use our new downloadable pulley investigation resource to easily create a memorable lesson that produces the sticky knowledge Ofsted will be looking for…

An investigation into pulleys

Our pulley investigation requires pupils to build a simple pulley and then add more to create a pulley system. They will compare the difference that adding more pulleys makes to the force used by measuring. A bucket is added to one end and pupils use a form of measurement, e.g. weights from the maths cupboard or a non-standard unit such as Unifix™ cubes, to record the results and help them come to a conclusion about why pulleys are useful.

How should the lesson be recorded?

Should pupils record every step of a practical lesson?  From my experience, no, as this kills the enjoyment and does not reflect what they have learned. However, there are benefits to revising learning to help the knowledge to stick. Revisiting the lesson the next day is beneficial. In upper key stage two, pupils should be practising writing up part of their investigation in a passive voice.


Guided reading

To help consolidate pupils’ learning, why not introduce some forces-themed reading into your English sessions? Download our fascinating reading comprehensions linked to this lesson pack.


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 have an 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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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. ✨

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

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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Teaching pollination in year 3

As part of the unit plants, you will need to teach your pupils how plants reproduce. A key part is the role insects play in pollination. They do not need to understand it in great detail, but should know the term and have a general understanding of how it happens. The lesson pack we have created alongside this month’s issue called ‘Buzzy Bees!’ is a great simple, hands-on activity in which pupils will pretend to pollinate flowers as if they are bees.

The lesson pack contains:

  • A lesson plan linked to the national curriculum
  • A PowerPoint presentation
  • Instructions
  • Printable resources
  • Instructions for a whole-class waggle dance!

Great news! You don’t need any specialised equipment, just a paintbrush and two different coloured powders – either powder paints or icing sugar and cocoa powder.

Do you want to sneak more science into your school day?

Our reading comprehensions are a great way of getting more science content into your school day. On the website, all the reading comprehensions can be searched for by topic and year group, allowing you to pick ones which relate to your current science teaching or ones which revisit a previous topic. Each lesson plan has a ‘cross curricular’ box which lists reading comprehensions that link to the learning for that lesson. This month, for year 3 we have an interview with a super scientist who has found a way for bees to help people in poverty.

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 got an 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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A young girl reads Whizz Pop Bang magazine on her tablet. Digital magazine subscitions are now available for Whizz Pop Bang science magazine!

We now offer digital subscriptions!

We’re passionate about our mission to help children around the world to fall in love with science. Recently, we’ve been working hard to find a way to make subscriptions more accessible (particularly for our readers who live overseas).

Digital subscribers can:
💥 Choose between an annual subscription or a one-off purchase of a single issue
💥 Flick through complete 36-page editions of Whizz Pop Bang
💥 Get instant access when a subscription is purchased
💥 Download and print the amazing cut-out paper craft activities included in each issue purchased
💥 Save up to 36% when buying an annual digital subscription* (or a huge 57% on international subscriptions)!

* When you order a digital subscription or digital single magazine you will be redirected to Issuu.com, our digital magazine publisher. Savings based on full cover price of physical magazine (£4.75 per issue) plus international postage charges. New issues will be available on 1st of each month.


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COMPETITION CLOSED – Win a bug-tastic bundle of STEM gifts!

We’re super excited to announce that we’ve teamed up with Laurence King Publishing and Insect Lore for May’s online competition which we are running on Instagram and Facebook only! Head over there to find out how to win this bumper prize!

Science gift competition bug bingo Whizz Pop Bang science magazine Insect Lore Butterfly Garden

You could win:

Bug Bingo Game – This beautifully illustrated bingo game features 64 species of bugs from around the world. Identify all kinds of insects – from the giant hawker dragonfly to the kissing bug and the orchid bee to the sacred scarab – mark them off on your card and bingo! Bug Bingo brings a fun and educational twist to the traditional game as players learn the names and colourings of both favourite species like the honey bee and more exotic bugs like the vampire moth. Contains one masterboard, 64 superbly illustrated bug tokens, 12 bingo cards and brightly coloured counters for you to mark up your card, as well as a leaflet containing basic information and a few quirky traits for all of the bugs featured.

Science gift competition bug bingo

Butterfly Garden – Experience the miracle of metamorphosis with this unique Butterfly Garden! Observe caterpillars grow and change into butterflies, and then release them. The kit includes a 30cm tall reusable habitat for easy butterfly watching and a voucher for 3-5 caterpillars with food. Once you have received your caterpillars, they will eat, spin silk, and grow to TEN times their original size! After 7-10 days watch as they hang upside down and form their chrysalides! Then watch as they emerge as beautiful Painted Lady Butterflies and observe them for a couple of days before releasing into nature.

Science gift competition Insect Lore Butterfly Garden

A 6-month magazine subscription for Whizz Pop Bang! Keep your young scientist engaged with a monthly magazine subscription filled with hands-on science activities, the latest scientific news, jokes, puzzles, and more! The best part? Loads of the supplies needed for the activities can be found in your kitchen cupboard.

Science gift competition Whizz Pop Bang science magazine

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.

T&C’s: This giveaway closes at midnight on Wednesday 31st May 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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