Monday Fun Fact May 8

 

The Stone of Destiny

image from The Daily Record

That big stone sitting under the throne is known as the Stone of Destiny.  It is also known as the Stone of Scone.

For centuries, this stone was associated with the crowning of Scottish kings. According to Encyclopedia Britannica,  the stone came to be encased in the seat of a royal coronation chair of Scottish kings centuries ago.  In 1296 the stone was moved to London where Edward I of England had a Coronation Chair built so that the Stone of Scone could be fitted under it.  This was to symbolize that kings of England would be crowned as kings of Scotland as well.

England's newest monarch, King Charles III will be crowned while sitting on the Coronation Chair that was built in 1307.  The chair is very old, but the Stone of Scone - the Stone of Destiny - is older!

This has been my last Fun Fact post.  I have loved sharing fascinating information with you, and I hope that you continue to search for fun facts in our fascinating world!

  

Monday Fun Fact May 1

 

Short Horned Lizard

image from iStock

The short horned lizard defends itself from predators by shooting blood out of its eyes.

This fact was given to me by Joey in 3rd grade.  Thanks, Joey!!

For a video, click here:

Lizard Defense

Monday Fun Fact Mar 20

 

Burrowing Parakeet

image from eBird

image from CNN

The burrowing parakeet can be found in Chile and Argentina's cliff faces.

image from Birds of the World

Burrowing parakeets have the same mate for several years, and they fly in flocks.

You can watch a video of other South America's birds here:

South American birds - so peaceful!

at 4:00 minutes - burrowing parakeet

Monday Fun Fact Mar 13

 Snickers Candy Bar

image from Theisen's

The Snickers candy bar was created in 1930 by Mars, Incorporated.

The candy bar is chocolate-coated peanut, caramel and nougat treat that was named after the Mars family's favorite horse. 

The candy bar was originally called Marathon bar in the United Kingdom and Ireland, but in 1990 the Mars company branded all of the bars Snickers Bars.

image from Snickers

Not all candy is made in a factory. You can watch a video of a professional candy maker here:

https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/chocolatier-michael-laiskonis-chocolate-bonbons-video

Monday Fun Fact Mar 6

 The Slinky

image from iStock

The fun toy Slinky was invented by accident by Richard James in 1943.  Mr. James was trying to find ways to keep ship equipment steady while at sea, and he was experimenting with various types of springs.  He knocked over some of the spring samples, and he watched in amazement as they "walked down" instead of falling.   (Information from Museumofplay.org)

The toy began being sold in stores in 1945, and the "Slinky Song" became famous and helped to sell many of the toys.  Here is an old commercial:

Slinky Song

Slinky Manipulation became popular in 2010.  Slinky artists can twirl, spin, bounce, and jump the slinky toy in incredible ways.  Much like the yo-yo artists, the slinky artists are bringing new excitement to an old toy.  

Josh Jacobs, a Slinky manipulator, demonstrates his tricks in this video:

Slinky Manipulation

Note:  there is a brief audience reaction bleeped at 2m06s.

Monday Fun Fact Feb 27

 

Colorful Carnations

Here is a fun experiment to try with food coloring and white flowers.  The purpose of the experiment is to demonstrate "transpiration".  

Transpiration is the process through which water is pulled from the root of a plant to the stems and leaves and released into the air through tiny holes in the leaves.

When the water is released, the food coloring stays behind on the petals.

How to change flower colors

Monday Fun Fact Feb 20

 

Skipping Stones

image from Physics World

Well, we have all tried skipping stones!  Like flying a kite and riding a bike, once you learn the basics, you can usually do it.  However, it does take practice, practice, practice!  Warm weather or cold weather, if the water you trying to skip a stone on is liquid, you can try it. Kurt Steinert holds the world record for skipping a rock 88 times!  Start by finding a smooth round pebble. 

Here is a link to advice on how to skip a stone:

https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/how-to-skip-stones-animation