7 Surprising Facts About Nature, Paint, and Sounds

Did you know why a gecko’s tail keeps moving even after it falls off?

When a gecko, lizard, or certain worms lose their tail, it can still move around for a while. That’s because these creatures don’t rely only on their brain to control their body. Their nervous system is spread throughout their body, so even a detached tail keeps wiggling for some time.

Did you know about the staircase illusion in Odessa?

The Potemkin Stairs in Odessa are a giant staircase made of 10 sections with flat landings in between. If you stand at the bottom, it looks like a regular set of stairs with no landings. But from the top, it looks like a long stretch of landings with no stairs at all. It’s a clever optical illusion!

Did you know what the biggest industrial building in the world is?

It’s the Boeing factory, where they build huge airplanes. The building is so enormous that Disneyland could fit inside it, and there’d still be room for a big parking lot. Even the doors are gigantic so the planes can roll out with ease.

Did you know why reptiles shed their skin?

Reptiles like snakes and crabs have tough skin that doesn’t stretch as they grow. That’s why, several times a year, they shed their old skin and grow a new one. At first the new skin is soft, but it soon becomes firm again.

Did you know what gouache paints are made of?

Gouache (often used by kids) is a thick, colorful paint made from pigment, water, and Arabic gum. Sometimes chalk is added to give it more texture. It’s affordable, easy to clean, and only needs water to mix, which is why it’s so popular in schools and homes.

Did you know scorpions don’t really sting themselves?

There’s a myth that scorpions sting themselves and die when they’re in danger. But that’s not true. People probably thought this because when scorpions are near fire, they often die before the flames reach them. Sometimes they move in a way that looks like they’re stinging themselves, but that’s just how they react to toxins or extreme heat.

Did you know how crickets make their chirping sound?

It doesn’t come from their mouths! Crickets make noise by rubbing their back legs against the veins on their front wings. It’s kind of like a violin bow sliding across strings and that’s how we get their familiar chirping sound.