Table of contents for Issue 361 - September 2025 in MiniMag

This month we are celebrating one of the greatest stories of our world: SURVIVAL. Every creature, big or small, has faced challenges through the ages. Yet, like true champions, they adapt, endure and continue their journey of life. CHICKENHARE AND THE SECRETS OF THE GROUNDHOG, is an epic tale of bravery and survival. It shows how courage, determination and clever thinking can help even the most unlikely heroes triumph against the odds – just as species in the wild must do every day. In EasyScience, we take a closer look at what keeps species unique. From animal and human genetics to why different species cannot interbreed, we explore the incredible story of evolution through the ages. You’ll discover how animals adapt to their habitats where creatures thrive across the globe.…

What is a species? A species is a group of animals or plants that can have babies together, and their babies can also have babies. What are genes? Inside every cell in your body is a tiny blueprint called DNA. DNA is like a recipe book with all the instructions to build you. Sections of DNA are called genes, and each gene controls a different trait. You get half your genes from your mother and half from your father. Why siblings look similar, but not the same Even if you and your sibling share the same parents, you each get a unique mix of genes. That’s why you might both have freckles but only one of you has curly hair. Genes in animals Genetics isn't just for humans. Dogs, rabbits,…

Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, belong to the squirrel family - believe it or not! They're a type of large ground squirrel known as a marmot. These mammals are found throughout the United States and parts of Canada, usually hanging out in open fields, meadows and along forest edges. They grow to about 60 cm long (including the tail) and can weigh 4 to 6 kilograms. Groundhogs are covered in thick brown fur and have sharp claws perfect for digging. Their teeth never stop growing – like other rodents, they must gnaw to keep them trimmed. Super diggers! Groundhogs are amazing diggers. They use their powerful claws to build burrows underground, which can be more than 10 metres long with multiple rooms and exits! Their burrows have a special chamber just…

What Is Evolution? Evolution means change - but not just any change. It’s a slow and steady process that happens over generations. Over thousands, or even millions of years, animals can develop new traits that help them survive and thrive. These traits can be physical (like wings or longer legs) or behavioural (like hunting at night or living in groups). Natural selection: nature’s filter Imagine a bird born with a slightly longer beak. If that longer beak helps it reach food more easily, it might live longer and have more babies. Those babies could also have long beaks. Over time, most birds in that area will have longer beaks. This is called natural selection - nature "selects" the best traits to pass on. Charles Darwin, the scientist who first described…

Earth’s richest biome Rainforests are warm, wet and packed with plants - making them one of the richest biomes on Earth. But living here isn't easy! Animals must compete for food, avoid predators and survive heavy rainfall and thick vegetation. That’s why many rainforest animals have amazing adaptations. The glass frog has see-through skin to hide from predators, while the sloth grows green algae in its fur to blend in with tree leaves! Long limbs, sticky toes, night vision, loud calls and even colour-changing abilities are all survival tools. These adaptations often come from genetic traits passed down over generations - helping each species stay strong in the rainforest’s leafy maze of life. RAINFOREST RARITIES! Some animals are endemic, which means they live only in one place – and many…

September be sailin’ in with treasure chests full o’ adventure! Hoist yer sails, sharpen yer hooks, and get ready to chart new courses in learnin’ an’ fun. Whether ye be huntin’ for knowledge like buried gold, or sharin’ hearty laughs with yer crew, remember – every day be a grand voyage if ye set yer compass to curiosity. So batten down the hatches, ye scallywags, and let’s make this September a month o’ wonder and cheer! It’s a day to be silly, have fun and try out some swashbucklin’ pirate lingo like “Shiver me timbers!”, “Ahoy!” and “Avast!”. DON'T MISS YOUR NEXT EDITION OF MINIMAG! visit: https://www.minimag.online…

What is the Ozone Layer? The ozone layer is a thin part of Earth’s atmosphere that acts like sunscreen for the planet. It blocks most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can damage skin, hurt animals and even harm plants. Without it, life on Earth would be much harder! “ozone” comes from the Greek word ozein, meaning “to smell.” Why is the ozone layer important? • It helps plants grow. Plants and trees need just the right amount of sunlight - not too much, not too little. • It protects living things. Too much UV radiation can cause skin cancer, eye damage and harm animals like frogs and whales. • It keeps ecosystems balanced. Oceans, forests and even polar regions rely on this invisible shield. Science spotted the…

Nature uses species to help keep animals healthy and well-matched for their environments. Even though different species can’t usually mix, the amazing diversity of life shows just how creative evolution can be. And who knows? The next time you dream up a silly animal mix, it might help you become a scientist one day! What is a species? A species is a group of animals or plants that can have babies together, and their babies can also have babies. For example, all domestic cats are part of the same species because they can breed and have kittens that grow up to have their own kittens. But a cat and a dog? That just doesn't work! Sometimes, animals that are very closely related can breed. A good example is a horse…

Literacy Day READ IT, COUNT IT, SOLVE IT! • Word problems need strong reading skills so you can figure out what’s being asked. • Maths vocabulary helps you know the difference between sum and difference, area and volume! • Explaining your maths thinking (out loud or in writing) helps you understand better and teach others too. • Reading stories and solving problems both need logic, steps in the right order and attention to detail! Whether you’re reading a story or solving a maths puzzle, your brain is using the same superpowers: understanding, reasoning and remembering! WORDS AND NUMBERS TEAM UP FOR SUCCESS! Maths isn't just about numbers - it’s also about understanding words, following instructions, spotting patterns and explaining your thinking. Being a good reader helps you become a super…