Children often have a unique way of viewing the world, and their questions can lead to fascinating discussions. Recently, a quiz featured several intriguing inquiries from young children, including a thought-provoking question about the Union Jack and its representation of Wales.
Why Is Wales Absent from the Union Jack?
The question posed by Odysseus, who is just 9 years old, reflects a common curiosity: why is there no Welsh symbol on the Union Jack? The answer lies in the historical context of the flag’s creation. When the Union Jack was designed in 1606, Wales had long been integrated into England. As a result, the Welsh dragon, a prominent national symbol, was not included in the flag. Instead, Wales was represented as part of England, which had conquered the region for centuries. Interestingly, while the dragon does not appear on the front of the flag, some refer to the presence of Welsh elements on the reverse side, although this is less commonly acknowledged.
Children’s Questions on Nature and Science
The quiz also included a variety of other whimsical questions from younger participants. Asa, age 6, inquired about whether fish can urinate. The answer is affirmative; however, it varies among species, with only certain fish capable of expelling waste in the same manner as land animals.
Another intriguing question came from Adara, age 7, who wondered if flowers can be rainbow-colored. While naturally occurring rainbow-colored flowers are rare, they can be artificially created. The phenomenon arises more commonly when different seeds are planted together, although some argue that unique environmental factors can also play a role.
A question from Otis, age 5, asked how the sun remains in the sky. The consensus among educators is that the sun’s position is maintained by the force of gravity, which keeps it in orbit around the Milky Way galaxy.
Lastly, Lydia, also 5 years old, asked about the origins of “sleepy dust,” the term for the eye discharge that often accumulates while sleeping. This substance is a natural byproduct of mucus, skin cells, and even blood cells collecting in the corners of the eyes during rest.
These questions were highlighted in a recent episode of the podcast “Everything Under the Sun,” hosted by Molly Oldfield. The podcast aims to answer children’s inquiries about the world, and it has also inspired a series of books, including “Everything Under the Sun” and the “Everything Under the Sun: Quiz Book.” Oldfield’s new title, “Everything Under the Sun: All Around the World,” continues to explore the vast curiosities of young minds.
Encouraging children to ask questions fosters a sense of wonder and a desire to learn. Their inquiries not only shed light on their understanding of the world but also highlight the importance of education and engagement in nurturing inquisitive young minds.
