Easy Ideas for Science Week

British Science Week 2025 will take place from 7th to 16th March this year. It’s a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) with the theme for 2025 being “Change and Adapt”. Science Week is a fantastic opportunity for schools to get their students involved and taking part in practical experiments that they may not get to do in their everyday lessons. However, there are a lot of logistics to consider, as well as resources to purchase – it is a balancing act! Here are 5 Science experiments across the range of primary and secondary education to inspire awe and wonder!

Experiments for Primary Children

1. Volcano Eruption

This is a fantastic experiment to get that ‘wow’ factor and also bring in different curriculum elements, such as Geography, alongside the science. The main concept is to look at chemical reactions, as the ‘lava’ erupts and pours down the volcano. Students can create their own volcano, or use a mound of clay or sand to save time. They then pour in a concoction of baking soda, soap and food colouring (to get the lava effect), then add vinegar as the final ingredient to create the eruption!

2. Rainbow in a Glass

image credit: stevespangler.com

There are lots of great experiments that produce rainbow effects and colours, including ones that use sweets (make sure the children don’t eat them!) One experiment that produces a rainbow effect also measures the density of liquids. You will need sugar, water, various food colourings, mixing jugs and a clear glass for the final stage. Children vary the amounts of sugar that they dissolve in each container then carefully pour a small amount of each colour liquid in order of density – starting with the most dense first – into the clear glass. This will create a rainbow effect! Children can compare the amounts and come to a conclusion from their findings, as well as produce great photos to publicise British Science Week! Check out this step-by-step guide from STEM educator Steve Spangler.

Experiments for Secondary Children

3. Elephant Toothpaste

This experiment focuses on exothermic reaction and catalysis – it is suitable for secondary age children, as it requires hydrogen peroxide, which will only be found in high school laboratories. Similar to the volcano eruption, once all the materials are combined together (hydrogen peroxide, soap, food colouring, yeast and warm water) a reaction will occur, which looks similar to a foamy toothpaste. Another experiment with a physical reaction and the ‘wow’ factor combined, as well as the opportunity to explore reaction rates.

4. Lemon Battery

This secondary school themed chemistry experiment looks at chemical energy and electricity. There are similar activities that can be done with a potato – both cost-effective resources that have great results! Using a zinc nail and a copper coin inserted into a lemon, students can witness an LED bulb light up as part of a circuit. It is a great way to introduce how renewable energy sources work and revise curriculum concepts including electricity and circuits.

Experiments suitable for all

5. Mouldy Bread

This experiment is slightly different from the others as it focuses on observation over time, rather than an immediate reaction. The aim is to measure how mould grows on bread in different conditions, from temperature to location changes. All you need for this experiment is a loaf of bread, some zip lock bags and a cup of water meaning it is an easy activity to do at home, perhaps as homework, or a project over an extended period of time. Students can then present their findings and come to a conclusion about the best conditions for mould growth.

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