Nature's Treasures: common misconceptions

If your child says… “It is only wind when air moves fast.”

Ask together

When gentle fanning moves the strip, what pushes it?

What’s true

A gentle breeze and storm winds both involve moving air.

If your child says… “Saving water just means storing more.”

Ask together

Once the bowl fills, where will further drips go?

What’s true

Saving water helps keep enough water available and fit to use.

If your child says… “The Sun only helps us see.”

Ask together

Which part felt warmer even though both parts were made of the same material?

What’s true

The Sun's energy can also heat water and cook food in suitable devices.

If your child says… “Removing trees and roots leaves the soil just the same.”

Ask together

Which sample has roots holding its soil together?

What’s true

Removing roots takes away support that helps keep soil in place.

If your child says… “Soil is only dirt and sand.”

Ask together

Are these old leaf pieces sand?

What’s true

Soil includes mineral particles and decayed remains, and may contain tiny living things.

If your child says… “If I cannot see smoke, the fuel is not polluting the air.”

Ask together

Which gas shown entering the air would be invisible?

What’s true

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide even when no smoke is visible.

If your child says… “Anything useful is a natural resource.”

Ask together

Did nature produce this finished spoon, or did people shape it?

What’s true

Usefulness alone does not tell us whether a resource is natural or human-made.

If your child says… “Renewable resources can never run short.”

Ask together

What happens if trees are cut faster than new ones grow?

What’s true

Natural replacement does not guarantee enough supply when people waste or damage resources.