Blog: Learning

Bulb blog

Danielle Cowell, 3 November 2008

Planting for the Planet!

3,743 pupils from 91 schools across Wales are taking part in this year's Spring Bulbs for Schools investigation. On Monday the 20th of October each pupil planted crocus and daffodil bulbs to kick-start this climate change investigation - which is in its forth year.

Over the next few months each of these school scientists will be keeping weather records and noting when their flowers open as part of a long term study looking at the effects of temperature on spring bulbs.

Talk to Professor Plant:
Professor Plant would love to know how you got on with your planting. Let us know what you did in your school or send in some photographs.

To be web safe: 
We will not publish any childrens names. When you leave a message, list the name of your school, then your comment will be posted as ' pupils from' and the 'name of your school'. Always ask your teacher for permission before posting a message or a photograph.

Climate change: what's occurring?

Danielle Cowell, 29 October 2008

Humankind is the 'Earth's biggest threat'

The world’s top scientists are in no doubt that human activity is changing our climate. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says the evidence is ‘unequivocal’ that increased warming since the industrial age is due to human activity.

What do you think we should be doing to tackle climate change?

What are your questions?

There are many ways you can make a difference. The first step is to understand climate change.

Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales and Science Shops Wales are touring an exhibition and talks to promote the understanding of climate change. If you would like to find out more e-mail scan@nmgw.ac.uk

Bird Feeder Blog

Gareth Bonello, 17 October 2008

feeder & camera

Hi there all! Hope you’re enjoying watching the now that it’s up and running. It’s almost always busy at the feeder at the moment so there’s plenty to keep you entertained (or in my case distracted from work!). It’s particularly popular with Great Tits, Blue Tits and Coal Tits as well as Greenfinch, Chaffinch and House Sparrow. The Nuthatch and Robin are also regulars with Goldfinch and Bullfinch making infrequent visits. The feeder also suffers regular raids from our resident squirrels and although they’re a bit of a nuisance for the birds it’s pretty entertaining watching their acrobatic attempts at getting to the food!

nuthatch feeder1

tits on feeder1

tits on feeder3

Fungi Foray

Gareth Bonello, 17 October 2008

mushroom city2

Autumn is a great time to spot fungi as many fruiting bodies (the interesting shapes that we see above ground) bloom at this time of year. So I've decided to post my mushroom and toadstool photos on this blog as the season wears on. Enjoy!

mushroom bunch4

mushroom bunch3

mushroom tops1

Fungi

Fungi

porcelain1

king alfred cakes1

porcelain3

porcelain2

purple mushroom7

candle wick2

porcelain5

porcelain6

purple mushroom5

All at Sea!

Chris Owen, 16 July 2008

The marine section here at the museum have been exploring the sea floor around Scotland recently. Have a look at the video blog here to see what they were hoping to find on the trip. Check back soon for updates on the weird and wonderful things they actually found.