Exciting Activities for Kids to Celebrate National Science Week

National Science Week celebrates the achievements of science and technology in Australia each year. This year (2023) science week runs from August 12 – 20.

There are over 1,000 events, delivered by schools, libraries, universities and museums during this week. Events cater to children and adults, and more than one million people take part each year. The National Science Week website has a directory to help you find events your child will enjoy.

Our ideas for science week are designed to inspire kids to want to find out more. Kids who learn about science in their free time will be more motivated to study STEM and pursue a career in this area. 

These science activities for kids will help your child appreciate this fascinating field. 

• Use a microscope to explore hidden worlds 

A microscope will open up whole new worlds to your child. Learning about the tiny creatures and structures which are invisible to the naked eye is fascinating for kids and can awaken a thirst for scientific knowledge. 

Ask your child to collect insects, plants and flowers to view under the microscope. Learning about the natural world outside the classroom will help them view science as an enjoyable pastime. 

Some science experiments for kids that can be done with a microscope include analysing the difference between sugar and salt, and looking at living organisms in a sample of pond water. 

• Explore the solar system during National Science Week

A telescope is another tool you can use to expand your child’s horizons. Thanks to advances in technology, children’s telescopes also cost relatively little today. If you don’t want to buy one, head to an observatory where you can view the stars and enjoy tours and lectures.

Viewing the planets through a telescope will awaken children’s imaginations and help them understand the vastness of the universe. They will find out about asterisms and constellations and get to see the moon and milk way up close. 

Some fascinating statistics about the night sky you can share with your child include that there are 100 billion planets in the Milky Way, and our galaxy is just one among billions.

• Watch science films and talk about what you’ve learned

Science documentaries and movies are a fun, relaxing way for kids to learn about science. Through films, children get to explore science in many different contexts and cultures.

Some great choices include the animated movie The Lorax. The main character Ted lives in a world without nature. To win the heart of the girl he likes, he must find a Truffula tree. The message is that we need to protect the natural world for future generations. 

Kiss the Ground is a documentary about regenerative agriculture, and Chasing Coral follows scientists as they travel the oceans to find out why coral reefs are dying at unprecedented rates. Watching these films together and having a discussion afterwards will really help kids develop a better appreciation and understanding of science.

• Play video games to give kids a new perspective  

Most people don’t associate science with video games, but they can be surprisingly educational. Video games help kids think creatively and develop good decision-making skills. They also teach them that learning can be fun.

Minecraft is recommended by educators because it allows players to explore a range of environments while following step-by-step instructions. It also applies the basic principles of physics and engineering. 

ChemCaper is another quality game that teaches kids about the fundamentals of chemistry. 

• Plant vegetables to learn about nature

Gardening is one of the best science activities for kids to teach them about the natural world. Together you can research what vegetables are suitable in your area and discuss how climate affects plants.

Caring for plants allows kids to develop a deeper understanding of cause and effect. It will help them become more attuned to the cycles of nature and the factors which affect growth. 

Other positive benefits of gardening for kids include self-confidence, responsibility and creative thinking.

How a Science Tutor Can Help

National Science Week provides a great opportunity to talk about science as a family and help kids understand the crucial role scientific knowledge plays in shaping the modern world. To further enhance your child’s STEM skills, consider hiring a science tutor. 

STEM subjects require students to process and recall large amounts of information, and this is difficult for many. Our tutors can assist with all science subjects, from primary school to Year 12 and beyond. 

Contact us to arrange a free assessment today!