What could be more creative than science? And what better way to explore science than by working with students’ own innate creativity? Taking approaches from the world of the arts, but always rooted in real and concrete science, our inspirational Creative Science Workshops for Secondary Schools are suitable right through Key Stages 3 and 4. And, engaging and experiential in style and tone, they’re specifically designed to build on pupils’ existing knowledge, enhance progression and boost pupil motivation in science.

Delivered by practitioners who are passionate about science, these exciting programmes provide an amazing way of promoting science, cementing pupils’ subject knowledge, explaining difficult concepts and introducing new content. 

Interplanetary Tours

A fast-paced exploration of our solar system in which students learn and teach each other key facts

From Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon to the photographs sent back by Juno on its historic and ongoing mission to Jupiter, we’re all entranced by our neighbours in the solar system. And space exploration nowadays, of course, is a collaborative and multinational affair, bringing the world closer together. Taking things one step further, this intriguing workshop asks pupils to imagine the day when interplanetary tours are possible. Informed by the endeavours of such new space actors as Virgin Galactic and Space X, they’ll plan, prepare and present short plays exploring the problems posed by visiting the sulphurous volcanoes of Venus, the gaseous storms of Saturn or the icy plains of Pluto. Just remember one thing: “In space, no-one can hear you scream …”

Exploring: the solar system, orbits, gravity

Duration: 1 – 2 lessons, depending on how many classes.

Suitable For: up to 30 students at a time.

 “as creatives are like a breath of fresh air – livening up teachers and students with fun and innovative methods of learning. The planning and preparation that goes on behind the scenes results in a thoroughly professional delivery in which all participants are valued and respected.” (Head of Science, Holy Cross School, Bolton)

Messages from Space

What do we know about Neptune? What’s the science of Saturn? And how is our understanding of Uranus? After a warm-up activity exploring some of the characteristics of a range of inhabitants of the universe (including stars and comets as well as planets and black holes), and armed with our beautifully illustrated FactFiles, pupils will mix metaphors, similes and astronomy as they create - and perform - their own Cosmic Clerihews! These are fun but descriptive four-line poems – and so perfectly suited for the descriptive rigour demanded by science. 

Suitable For: KS1 – KS4 / P1 - P7. 

Exploring: characteristics of planets, stars, comets and black holes; authorial voice, rhythm, tone and pace.

Duration: Suitable for up to 30 pupils at a time, Messages from Space lasts from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how many classes we’re working with.

The Story of Flight 

The drama of the science behind our conquest of the skies

Discover how humankind left the earth’s surface for the skies and then space – and ultimately the stars – in this thrilling and action-packed drama-based workshop. Starting with the Icarus myth, students will explore, learn about and teach each other some of the scientific and technological landmarks in The Story of Flight, including Leonardo’s musings on helicopters, the Montgolfier brothers’ experiments with balloons, Orville and Wilbur Wright’s development of the aeroplane, Frank Whittle’s work on the jet engine and Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon.

Exploring: aerodynamics, forces (gravity, friction and air resistance), pressure.

Duration: 2 lessons – half a day (depending on how many classes).

CSI: Periodic Table

A challenging mystery to engage your students with chemistry! 

One of the deadliest stable chemical elements, arsenic was also one of the first to be discovered - way back in 1250. But it's the structure of the Periodic Table itself that students will need to unmask the killer of one of Britain's brightest scientists. They’ll take part in a number of activities exploring the properties of particular elements or elemental families, each releasing a chemistry-related clue eliminating one of the possible criminals. Once they’re agreed on a name, they’ll have one final hurdle to overcome – to use all the evidence they’ve gleaned in determining exactly how the Professor was killed …

Exploring: history and structure of the Periodic Table, atomic structure, properties of elements and elemental families, valencies and bonding.

Duration: 1 - 2 lessons – half a day (depending on how many classes).

CSI: Forces

How do different forces operate – and what do they actually do?

CSI: Forces sets your pupils a problem – to use their knowledge and understanding of forces in identifying which of six suspects sabotaged the new Jupiter VII space rocket. They’ll take part in a number of activities, each releasing a force-related clue eliminating one of the possible criminals – until the Police Force becomes the most important force, as the miscreant is hauled before justice …

Suitable For: KS1, KS2 (up to 30 pupils at a time)

Exploring: gravity, friction, upthrust, centrifugalism, centripetalism, magnestism.

Duration: 1½ hours – half a day (depending on the number of classes)

STEM Geodesic Domes

An exciting opportunity for students to build a 2m high Geodesic Dome whilst exploring STEM skills

What connects science, maths, engineering space – and sport? Geodesity, of course! And our Geodesic Dome programmes offer students fantastic opportunities to cement their understanding of specific curriculum areas – and to celebrate and share their learning in a unique, eye-catching and inspiring way.

After recalling their learning in a creative manner, students will work to a template in using it to illustrate the 105 triangular panels that make up our Geodesic Domes. They'll then be guided through a process that allows them to fit the triangles together to make hexagons and pentagons – and then to piece these together to construct the 2m high dome.

Exploring (in addition to your curriculum area): chemical structures, engineering forces, properties of 2D shapes.

“The levels of engagement and behaviour have been fantastic. These approaches will really help us!” (Senior Leadership Team, Broughton Hall)

Expect the Unexpected!

Building on some of the scientific happy accidents that have resulted in household names – and the power of science to surprise! 

Most of the inventions that have improved our lives were planned – but more than a few were complete accidents, from Post-its to penicillin to pacemakers! This workshop introduces children to some of these, then supports them as they make connections to imagine and market some amazing new inventions of their own.

Exploring: unexpected discoveries, scientific breakthroughs, cross-connectivity

Duration: 1 – 2 lessons, depending on how many classes

Suitable For: up to 30 students at a time.

"The main reason for the workshop was to engage the students and hopefully to develop more of an interest in science. The students definitely did this!" (Head of Science, Notre Dame Catholic College)

British Science Week (BSW) is a ten-day programme of science, technology, engineering and maths events and activities across the UK for people of all ages.