National Science & Engineering Week Activity Packs

Subject(s): Science | Engineering | Age: 5-7 | 7-9 | 9-11 | Type: Activity sheet | Publication Year: 2010 to date

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Free packs full of science and engineering hands-on activities and projects are produced each year for National Science & Engineering Week (NSEW).

There are currently 19 free activity packs to choose from, each with its own unique theme. Packs contain a range of easy-to-do, hands-on activities, that are in line with the curriculum. The activities have a focus on investigation and discussion, and each has suggestions for further follow-up work.

Three of the packs are available from the National STEM Centre eLibrary, two in English, one in Welsh. Further topic packs are available from the British Science Association.

Vertically Challenged?
The student activities within this pack explore some simple concepts of building engineering - structures, materials and the forces required to put a building together.

This pack aims to show young people how buildings are constructed using scientific ideas. Whether it is a tower made out of spaghetti, a bridge made out of paper or glue made out of milk, there are opportunities to investigate what it takes to make a real life engineer or architect.

All activities in this pack contribute towards investigative skills in science, designing and making, and skills in social subjects. Teacher guidance notes are provided within the pack.

Food For Thought
The student activities within this pack focus on the theme of food science. The activities were designed for use in discrete 45–60 minute class or science club sessions. Successful completion of each of these activities can count towards a CREST Star Investigator award. There are five Star and SuperStar activities in the pack, one for each day of NSEW.

Star activities are designed for use with students aged 5-7 years. The materials provide a framework for children to discuss ideas, solve problems and share their experiences. SuperStar activities, for students aged 7–11 years, involve more independent work, testing ideas, solving simple problems and deciding how to share results. Extra suggestions are provided with each activity that may be appropriate for use with older children or as extension.

A Welsh language version of the pack, Hwyl Bwyd, is also available to download, which provides a Welsh student section.

URL: http://stem.org.uk/rx7ga

HEALTH and SAFETY
Any use of a resource that includes a practical activity must include a risk assessment. Please note that collections may contain ARCHIVE resources, which were developed at a much earlier date. Since that time there have been significant changes in the rules and guidance affecting laboratory practical work. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.