World Science Day

World Science Day or to give it its full title, World Science Day for Peace and Development, is celebrated every 10th November. Set up by UNESCO, it’s all about shining a light on the role science plays in our everyday lives and inspiring the next generation to think about the big issues shaping our future.

This year’s theme is “Trust, Transformation, and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for 2050”. It presents a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the kind of science that will be needed to meet the demands of the coming decades.

Here at Busy Things, we are passionate about science and believe it’s never too early to spark children’s curiosity. We face so many science-related issues as a society, such as climate change, disease and pollution, it’s paramount that we understand how things should work so that we can find solutions that maintain what we need to survive and what we treasure. If we can help children be curious about the world around them and help them understand the science behind the issues, it can only help them grow into the informed global citizens of the future that we need.

With this in mind, we’ve come up with five fun, practical ways you, as a primary school teacher, can mark World Science Day with your pupils this year, along with some Busy Things activities to support them. Link through to an idea of interest by clicking below:

1. Plant seeds and grow your own lettuce (EYFS/KS1)
2. Go on a minibeast hunt (KS1)
3. Learn about how the human body works (KS1)
4. Explore habitats and ecosystems (KS2)
5. Compare electricity generation methods (KS2)

1. Plant seeds and grow your own lettuce (EYFS/KS1)

Growing plants is a wonderful way to teach children about life cycles and what living things need to survive and it isn’t just for summer! Hardy winter crops like lamb’s lettuce, miners’ lettuce and land cress can cope with cooler weather, making this a great autumn project.

Not got the space or resources? No problem! Your class can enjoy the experience virtually with our ‘The gardener’ activity. The children will love watering the seeds and saving them from the insects.

2. Go on a minibeast hunt (KS1)

Children love exploring the world around them and minibeasts are always a hit! Insects play a vital role in our ecosystem because they pollinate plants, feed other animals and recycle waste.

Why not take your class outside for a minibeast hunt, then bring them back inside to play our ‘Guess which insect’ activity? It’s a great way to combine hands-on exploration with digital learning.

NOTE: Please remind the children that minibeasts are living things and need to be handled with care!

3. Learn about how the human body works (LKS2)

As humans, learning about how our own bodies work and what they need to function well, is very important for everyday life, but also for preventing and treating diseases and infection.

Our ‘Digestive system’ activity looks at one of the three key systems within our bodies, which helps us convert food into energy.

Got budding medics in your class, who want to find out about the body’s other systems? Check out our circulatory system and respiratory system activities too!

4. Explore habitats and ecosystems (LKS2)

Understanding the connections between living things and their environments helps children see how fragile our world can be and how important it is to protect it.

Our habitats and ecosystems quiz considers just this and looks at:

• Ecosystems
• Ecosystems under threat
• Restoring ecosystems

It’s ideal for comprehension, reinforcement, or as a springboard into bigger topics like global warming, deserts or deforestation.

5. Compare electricity generation methods (KS2)

Electricity powers almost everything we do. But how is it generated and what’s the impact of that?

Our ‘Generating electricity’ jigsaw activities introduce pupils to both green and non-renewable energy sources, encouraging them to weigh up the pros and cons of each.

For a fun extension, ask: “If you were Prime Minister, which type of energy would you invest in?”

Summary

World Science Day is the perfect opportunity to nurture children’s curiosity and show them how science connects to their own lives. Whether you’re planting seeds, hunting for minibeasts or debating renewable energy, every activity helps your pupils build the skills and knowledge they’ll need for the future.

Want to see more activities?

If you’d like to see the activities mentioned in this blog and more, including our new KS2 ‘Guess which Invertebrate’ activity, we’d suggest a free 28-day trial of Busy Things Simply click here to sign up. You’ll find hundreds of science activities (and plenty more across the curriculum) ready to use in your classroom.

You’re more than welcome to have a virtual tour with us too! We can arrange that for you if you contact us here!