Spring Science
True or False: On the first day of spring, the hours of daylight and of darkness are equal.
True.
Around March 21st, the earth's position in its orbit around the sun places its equator in line with the sun. This time period is called the "vernal equinox" and is the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. "Vernal" means spring and "equinox" means equal.
Spring is the season of flowers. The Japanese celebrate the arrival of Spring by hosting mass viewings of which flower?
cherry blossoms
In America, which bird is often seen as symbolizing the arrival of the Spring season?
A. sparrow
B. blue jay
C. robin
D. cardinal
C. robin
On the first day of Spring in the northern hemisphere, the sun is directly over the:
A. Tropic of Cancer
B. Tropic of Capricorn
C. equator
D. Arctic Circle
C. equator
Which type of meat is traditionally popular in Spring?
A. Beef
B. Lamb
C. Chicken
D. Goat
B. Lamb.
These days Spring lamb refers more to the age of a young sheep (around 3-5 months) rather than the season although farmers still like to breed them in Winter and sell them in Spring. *Originally a ‘spring chicken’ referred to a small roasting chicken but now colloquially indicates a young person.
In Major League Baseball, Spring training happens in February and March. In what state does it take place?
A. Arizona
B. Florida
C. New Mexico
D. both A and B
D. both A and B
In the Southern Hemisphere, springtime lasts from August until __________________.
November
According to folklore, what can we balance on the ground on the first day of Spring?
A. A stone
B. An egg
C. A broom
D. A football
B or C. An egg or a broom.
It was a (mainly Chinese) myth that, due to the length of the day being more or less equal and the sun’s position between the poles and the Earth being even, you could balance an egg or a broom on the ground.
Which nautical creature is popular to observe in Spring as they migrate back to the Antarctica from Australia?
A. Whales
B. Sharks
C. Barramundi
D. Dolphins
A. Whales.
Whales will visit the warmer waters of Australia during the winter then migrate back in Spring for feeding.
True or False: Spring Fever is a real physical condition.
True.
Spring Fever is a real physical condition which commonly occurs when a sudden warm spell follows a long cold period. When the temperature rises, the body has to get rid of heat; thus there's a dilation or expansion of the blood vessels so that blood can be carried to the body surface where heat can be lost quickly. Some people experience an energetic feeling when this change happens due to the body's reaction to the great amount of internal work going on.
Before Spring, Spring time and Springing time, what was the season known as based on an old English word?
A. Lent
B. Advent
C. Epiphany
D. Pentecost
A. Lent.
Spring was celebrated in the Northern Hemisphere during the period of Lent (Lencten in old English) and various religions saw it as a time of new growth and renewal as flowers and plants sprouted. Eventually named Springing time it is believed it was abbreviated to the form we now know around the 16th century.
"Younger than Springtime" is a song that was first heard in what Broadway musical, which was later made into a movie?
South Pacific
South Pacific brought to life many wonderful songs including "Bali Ha'i", "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair", "Some Enchanted Evening", "Happy Talk", and "I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy". The musical and film were based on James A. Michener's 'Tales of the South Pacific'.