National Science Week 2026 teaching ideas Follow FizzicsEd Articles: Comments 0 National Science Week is always a fantastic time to engage students in the sciences. In 2026, the focus is specifically on “Seeds of Science”, whereby we can take a look at what innovations have become a seed for discoveries and even new industries. Regardless of what grade level you teach, students are always interested in how new developments have affected our world. These developments can be recent or they can be ground-breaking from a century ago. No matter what you choose to focus on, the 2026 National Science Week theme is set to be another catalyst for student engagement! Official National Science Week resources Before you kick off with planning National Science Week, it’s always worth visiting the National Science Week website for the school support materials. Main National Science Week website Brainbreak Quiz to kick your students off on this year’s theme Hints & tips on holding a National Science Week event at your school Apply for a school grant (closes April 12, 2025) Teaching ideas for National Science Week 2026 – Seeds of Science Below are a variety of hands-on experiments, activities and investigations that you can run with your class for National Science Week. Link the hands-on activities with real research happening now, which gives context to why the class is running the experiment and then the potential impacts of cutting-edge research that will affect everyday life. Biological & Agricultural Sciences teaching ideas Free plant kits for schools – Join Grow 4 Launch! Join the AVA Challenge, ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space and Magnitude.io for a plant growth mission linked with real University research for space science! These plant growth kits are free, whereby your students; – Complete a scientific investigation of plants grown without soil and in different nutrient concentrations. – Re-think the design of the growth chamber and nutrient and light conditions for optimal growth. – Complete a food sensory test to help think about what makes food enjoyable. – Create a delicious plant-based recipe based on your produce. Plant growth kits are limited; get in quickly here Australian research – “How might we have agriculture in space?” Learn about Lunar Effects on Agricultural Flora (LEAF-B), a plant growth for the Artemis missions led by Space Lab Technologies and involves the University of Adelaide, La Trobe University, and NASA Kennedy Space Center, all P4S partners, as well as the United States Department of Agriculture, University of Colorado Boulder, and Purdue University, with additional analysis to be conducted by the P4S node at the University of Western Australia. Read more here Germination Lab linked with real-world challenges Don’t just grow beans in cotton wool. Run variable testing linked with real-world challenges. Your students could test how seeds from coastal areas respond to high salinity, which then simulates rising sea levels. You could investigate the effect of different STEM designs that improve heat stress tolerance of plants in urban areas, or the students could discover if plants thrive or are under stress if the soil has a high nutrient load (such as what happens with urban or agricultural runoff. Australian research – New AI tool optimises tree species and planting for cooling urban streets Urban landscapes could be cooled by up to 3.5 degrees using a QUT-developed AI-based tool that optimises where trees and which species are planted. The QUT team comprised Mr Shaamala, Professor Tan Yigitcanlar, and Dr Dan Nyandega from the School of Architecture and Built Environment, and Dr Alireza Nili, from the School of Information Systems. Read more here Link a DNA extraction with current research A classroom DNA extraction is more than just an activity; it’s the beginning of a conversation that extends from the discovery of DNA through to CRISPR-Cas9 and beyond. Students are often surprised by how much DNA you can get out of a banana or a strawberry. Talk to your students about the implications of genetic technology, from the human genome project to the ethical considerations that arise when we look at gene editing. Australian research – AI to keep CRISPR technology in check Australian scientists at Monash University have used AU to create functional inhibitors of CRISPR to stop unwanted damage to DNA or RNA within cells, making the technology more targeted and safer to use. The team was led by Snow Medical Fellow Associate Professor Gavin Knott at the Monash University Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) in collaboration with Dr Rhys Grinter at the Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute at the University of Melbourne Read more here Jellybean natural selection Use jellybeans to teach some of the fundamentals of natural selection. The groundbreaking concept of natural selection allowed scientists to understand why populations change over time. The research on natural selection now focuses on the genetic level, providing new perspectives on Charles Darwin’s original Theory. Australian research – Lizard chromosomes & financial models combine for new perspectives Dr Simone Blomberg from The University of Queensland’s School of the Environment, created the first mathematical model to combine short-term natural selection (microevolution) with the way species evolve over millions of years (macroevolution). The research combined economic models used to watch share prices change over time with the genetic dataset of a lizard. Now, the relationship between the organism traits as they change over time can be expressed as a mathematical model. Read more Chemistry & Material Science Microplastics lab The discovery of microplastics coming from laundry fibres changed the way we think about fast fashion. A hands-on activity for your students is to investigate the lint that you collect from your clothes dryer and see what it looks like under a microscope. Use this as a basis for a class discussion or deeper research activity into microplastics and their effect on the environment and our own health. Australian research – The extent of microplastic pollution in Australia UNSW research by the UNSW SMaRT Centre has published data on the amount of microplastics in sediments, indoor air, road dust, freshwater, marine water, and living organisms. It was found that microplastics from plastic recycling centres are leaching into the environment at a much greater rate than expected. Learn more Investigate bioplasticsHave students investigate cornstarch-based plastics of different types to see how they degrade in water, vinegar and other solutions. Discuss the limitations of food packaging using bioplastics and how research into durable biopolymers can make a difference in combating single-use plastics. Australian research – Bioplastic degrading enzymes The CSIRO is working on new enzymes to accelerate the breakdown of bioplastics by combining data science and biotechnology. Read more here Learn how medicines are isolated by chromatography With some paper towels and some felt-tip pens, you can help students understand the principles of chromatography and how this relates to extracting medicines from leaves. The technology of chromatography has acted as a seed for science in many avenues, where isolating chemicals is critical in biomedical science, through to environmental monitoring. Australian research – ACROSS The University of Tasmania leads the Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science, where new techniques are developed for the separation of mixtures that can be used across a wide number of research and industry applications. Read more Acid-base science Understanding interactions between acids and bases is fundamental to physical chemistry. Your students can begin to learn about pH and how indicators are used in laboratories through their own investigations into pH indicators found in the garden. Understanding pH helps medical scientists understand chemical interactions in the body, material scientists develop new materials and much more. Australian Research – Acid Sulfate Soils The Acid Sulfate Soils Centre at the University of Adelaide conducts a wide array of research into Australian soils, providing advice on climate change, water quality and soils for agriculture, mining and more Read more Physics & Emerging Tech Understanding quantum sensing Use magnets and iron filings to show the arrangement of a magnetic field, an analogy to how quantum sensing is being used to see the unseen for subsurface materials. Quantum sensing is revolutionising minerals prospecting, with hidden deposits of rare earth metals and more being found using satellite data (eg. Fleet Space). Australian research: Quantum Sensing The CSIRO is working with Universities and industry partners to develop new technologies for quantum sensing. Read more Harnessing the Sun’s energy The amount of energy coming from the Sun is extraordinary. Your students could make their own pizza box ovens as you discuss the work being done to harness the different types of energy from the Sun and how these applications will not affect life on Earth but also lunar exploration. Australian research – Concentrated solar thermal energy The CSIRO is researching the efficiency of a heliostat field, a large array of reflectors that concentrate the Sun’s energy onto a central receiver. The application of this research will help to lower the cost of solar thermal systems for use in electricity generation. Read more Make electric motors Electric cars are becoming more prevalent on our roads, but how do electric motors work in the first place? Your students can make their own simple electric motor in class, where you can describe the history of the electric motor and the continuing research into improving their efficiency. Australian research – Improving Electric Vehicle Range The CSIRO is working on how to improve batteries for electric cars. Learn more about electric vehicles here Model ocean current research The flow of ocean currents affects everything from our weather patterns to ecological habitats. Understanding the flow of water in our oceans helps researchers understand how heat and salinity affect the movement of animal populations, nutrients and thermal energy through marine ecosystems. Your students could model thermal currents in water or the effect of salinity on the movement of water, helping them to understand the role of thermohaline circulation in our oceans. Australian research – Southern Ocean Circulation The Australian National University is investigating how the Southern Ocean current moves through numerical and laboratory models. Understanding this helps scientists add to climate modelling. Read more Student opportunities for science communication Create a student podcast National Science Week presents an awesome opportunity for your students to interview local scientists on their research. Here are some tips to get them started on a student podcast. Create a science fair Have students showcase their investigations to the public in a school science fair. You could have guest speakers, a pitch competition and more! Produce science posters for your local supermarket or library Science doesn’t have to be just for the school grounds. This National Science Week, you could link with your local library or supermarket to create a science showcase for the general public. Here are some tips for creating science posters that work. Create a science song (rap or otherwise) Science communication is all about using different media to convey messages effectively. Challenge your students to create a science song on their area of interest that can be shared far and wide!  Join a citizen science investigation Don’t just study science, participate! There are plenty of opportunities for your school to be involved in citizen science projects. You can plan this as part of your scope and sequence, making the curriculum more relevant to real work scientists do. There are many ways to be involved in National Science Week. With this year’s theme being on Seeds of Science, it’s your chance to plant that seed that grows in your class! Happy teaching, Ben Newsome Want more ideas for teaching science? Subscribe to the FizzicsEd Podcast! Love Science? Subscribe! Join our newsletter Receive more lesson plans and fun science ideas. PROGRAMS COURSES SHOP SCIENCE PARTIES Calendar of Events HIGH SCHOOL Science@Home 4-Week Membership 12PM: March 2024 Feb 26, 2024 - Mar 29, 2024 12PM - 12PM Price: $50 - $900 Book Now! PRIMARY Science@Home 4-Week Membership 2PM: March 2024 Feb 26, 2024 - Mar 22, 2024 2PM - 2PM Price: $50 - $900 Book Now! Light and Colour Online Workshop, Jan 18 PM Jan 18, 2024 2PM - 3PM Price: $50 Book Now! Light and Colour Online Workshop, Jan 18 AM Jan 18, 2024 9AM - 11AM Price: $50 Book Now! 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National Science Week is always a fantastic time to engage students in the sciences. In 2026, the focus is specifically on “Seeds of Science”, whereby we can take a look at what innovations have become a seed for discoveries and even new industries. Regardless of what grade level you teach, students are always interested in how new developments have affected our world. These developments can be recent or they can be ground-breaking from a century ago. No matter what you choose to focus on, the 2026 National Science Week theme is set to be another catalyst for student engagement! Official National Science Week resources Before you kick off with planning National Science Week, it’s always worth visiting the National Science Week website for the school support materials. Main National Science Week website Brainbreak Quiz to kick your students off on this year’s theme Hints & tips on holding a National Science Week event at your school Apply for a school grant (closes April 12, 2025) Teaching ideas for National Science Week 2026 – Seeds of Science Below are a variety of hands-on experiments, activities and investigations that you can run with your class for National Science Week. Link the hands-on activities with real research happening now, which gives context to why the class is running the experiment and then the potential impacts of cutting-edge research that will affect everyday life. Biological & Agricultural Sciences teaching ideas Free plant kits for schools – Join Grow 4 Launch! Join the AVA Challenge, ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space and Magnitude.io for a plant growth mission linked with real University research for space science! These plant growth kits are free, whereby your students; – Complete a scientific investigation of plants grown without soil and in different nutrient concentrations. – Re-think the design of the growth chamber and nutrient and light conditions for optimal growth. – Complete a food sensory test to help think about what makes food enjoyable. – Create a delicious plant-based recipe based on your produce. Plant growth kits are limited; get in quickly here Australian research – “How might we have agriculture in space?” Learn about Lunar Effects on Agricultural Flora (LEAF-B), a plant growth for the Artemis missions led by Space Lab Technologies and involves the University of Adelaide, La Trobe University, and NASA Kennedy Space Center, all P4S partners, as well as the United States Department of Agriculture, University of Colorado Boulder, and Purdue University, with additional analysis to be conducted by the P4S node at the University of Western Australia. Read more here Germination Lab linked with real-world challenges Don’t just grow beans in cotton wool. Run variable testing linked with real-world challenges. Your students could test how seeds from coastal areas respond to high salinity, which then simulates rising sea levels. You could investigate the effect of different STEM designs that improve heat stress tolerance of plants in urban areas, or the students could discover if plants thrive or are under stress if the soil has a high nutrient load (such as what happens with urban or agricultural runoff. Australian research – New AI tool optimises tree species and planting for cooling urban streets Urban landscapes could be cooled by up to 3.5 degrees using a QUT-developed AI-based tool that optimises where trees and which species are planted. The QUT team comprised Mr Shaamala, Professor Tan Yigitcanlar, and Dr Dan Nyandega from the School of Architecture and Built Environment, and Dr Alireza Nili, from the School of Information Systems. Read more here Link a DNA extraction with current research A classroom DNA extraction is more than just an activity; it’s the beginning of a conversation that extends from the discovery of DNA through to CRISPR-Cas9 and beyond. Students are often surprised by how much DNA you can get out of a banana or a strawberry. Talk to your students about the implications of genetic technology, from the human genome project to the ethical considerations that arise when we look at gene editing. Australian research – AI to keep CRISPR technology in check Australian scientists at Monash University have used AU to create functional inhibitors of CRISPR to stop unwanted damage to DNA or RNA within cells, making the technology more targeted and safer to use. The team was led by Snow Medical Fellow Associate Professor Gavin Knott at the Monash University Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) in collaboration with Dr Rhys Grinter at the Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute at the University of Melbourne Read more here Jellybean natural selection Use jellybeans to teach some of the fundamentals of natural selection. The groundbreaking concept of natural selection allowed scientists to understand why populations change over time. The research on natural selection now focuses on the genetic level, providing new perspectives on Charles Darwin’s original Theory. Australian research – Lizard chromosomes & financial models combine for new perspectives Dr Simone Blomberg from The University of Queensland’s School of the Environment, created the first mathematical model to combine short-term natural selection (microevolution) with the way species evolve over millions of years (macroevolution). The research combined economic models used to watch share prices change over time with the genetic dataset of a lizard. Now, the relationship between the organism traits as they change over time can be expressed as a mathematical model. Read more Chemistry & Material Science Microplastics lab The discovery of microplastics coming from laundry fibres changed the way we think about fast fashion. A hands-on activity for your students is to investigate the lint that you collect from your clothes dryer and see what it looks like under a microscope. Use this as a basis for a class discussion or deeper research activity into microplastics and their effect on the environment and our own health. Australian research – The extent of microplastic pollution in Australia UNSW research by the UNSW SMaRT Centre has published data on the amount of microplastics in sediments, indoor air, road dust, freshwater, marine water, and living organisms. It was found that microplastics from plastic recycling centres are leaching into the environment at a much greater rate than expected. Learn more Investigate bioplasticsHave students investigate cornstarch-based plastics of different types to see how they degrade in water, vinegar and other solutions. Discuss the limitations of food packaging using bioplastics and how research into durable biopolymers can make a difference in combating single-use plastics. Australian research – Bioplastic degrading enzymes The CSIRO is working on new enzymes to accelerate the breakdown of bioplastics by combining data science and biotechnology. Read more here Learn how medicines are isolated by chromatography With some paper towels and some felt-tip pens, you can help students understand the principles of chromatography and how this relates to extracting medicines from leaves. The technology of chromatography has acted as a seed for science in many avenues, where isolating chemicals is critical in biomedical science, through to environmental monitoring. Australian research – ACROSS The University of Tasmania leads the Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science, where new techniques are developed for the separation of mixtures that can be used across a wide number of research and industry applications. Read more Acid-base science Understanding interactions between acids and bases is fundamental to physical chemistry. Your students can begin to learn about pH and how indicators are used in laboratories through their own investigations into pH indicators found in the garden. Understanding pH helps medical scientists understand chemical interactions in the body, material scientists develop new materials and much more. Australian Research – Acid Sulfate Soils The Acid Sulfate Soils Centre at the University of Adelaide conducts a wide array of research into Australian soils, providing advice on climate change, water quality and soils for agriculture, mining and more Read more Physics & Emerging Tech Understanding quantum sensing Use magnets and iron filings to show the arrangement of a magnetic field, an analogy to how quantum sensing is being used to see the unseen for subsurface materials. Quantum sensing is revolutionising minerals prospecting, with hidden deposits of rare earth metals and more being found using satellite data (eg. Fleet Space). Australian research: Quantum Sensing The CSIRO is working with Universities and industry partners to develop new technologies for quantum sensing. Read more Harnessing the Sun’s energy The amount of energy coming from the Sun is extraordinary. Your students could make their own pizza box ovens as you discuss the work being done to harness the different types of energy from the Sun and how these applications will not affect life on Earth but also lunar exploration. Australian research – Concentrated solar thermal energy The CSIRO is researching the efficiency of a heliostat field, a large array of reflectors that concentrate the Sun’s energy onto a central receiver. The application of this research will help to lower the cost of solar thermal systems for use in electricity generation. Read more Make electric motors Electric cars are becoming more prevalent on our roads, but how do electric motors work in the first place? Your students can make their own simple electric motor in class, where you can describe the history of the electric motor and the continuing research into improving their efficiency. Australian research – Improving Electric Vehicle Range The CSIRO is working on how to improve batteries for electric cars. Learn more about electric vehicles here Model ocean current research The flow of ocean currents affects everything from our weather patterns to ecological habitats. Understanding the flow of water in our oceans helps researchers understand how heat and salinity affect the movement of animal populations, nutrients and thermal energy through marine ecosystems. Your students could model thermal currents in water or the effect of salinity on the movement of water, helping them to understand the role of thermohaline circulation in our oceans. Australian research – Southern Ocean Circulation The Australian National University is investigating how the Southern Ocean current moves through numerical and laboratory models. Understanding this helps scientists add to climate modelling. Read more Student opportunities for science communication Create a student podcast National Science Week presents an awesome opportunity for your students to interview local scientists on their research. Here are some tips to get them started on a student podcast. Create a science fair Have students showcase their investigations to the public in a school science fair. You could have guest speakers, a pitch competition and more! Produce science posters for your local supermarket or library Science doesn’t have to be just for the school grounds. This National Science Week, you could link with your local library or supermarket to create a science showcase for the general public. Here are some tips for creating science posters that work. Create a science song (rap or otherwise) Science communication is all about using different media to convey messages effectively. Challenge your students to create a science song on their area of interest that can be shared far and wide!  Join a citizen science investigation Don’t just study science, participate! There are plenty of opportunities for your school to be involved in citizen science projects. You can plan this as part of your scope and sequence, making the curriculum more relevant to real work scientists do. There are many ways to be involved in National Science Week. With this year’s theme being on Seeds of Science, it’s your chance to plant that seed that grows in your class! Happy teaching, Ben Newsome Want more ideas for teaching science? Subscribe to the FizzicsEd Podcast!
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