Primary Schools, February 2025

Vaccines are arguably one of the most important and cost-effective healthcare tools for protecting lives against infectious disease. We have effective vaccines against more than 20 of the most important global diseases, but why don’t we have vaccines for every disease and why aren’t they all 100% effective. In this workshop students will learn how scientists design vaccines and the challenges associated with this process, by having a go at designing their own vaccines step by step. Students will learn original thinking and problem-solving skills through team-based activities, and get a chance to run hands on experiments with real laboratory equipment to develop technical and dexterity-based skills in a fun and slightly messy way.

Key Topics Covered: Why are vaccines important. What are the different types of vaccine. How we deliver vaccines in different ways. How do we test that vaccines work.

Key Skills Learnt: Technical skills, Dexterity skills, Problem solving, Original thinking.     This is the session as it stands in its longest format. Some elements may be adjusted based on time constraints and ages of students. 

Introduction: What causes disease and why do we get outbreaks? What is a vaccine and why do we need them?
Task 1: Students are presented with 3 fictional disease with different symptoms. In groups they must discuss which is their priority for developing a vaccine against.
Task 2: Students are presented 3 different types of vaccines that scientists can make along with their pros and cons. In groups they must discuss which is the best fit for their disease of choice. 
Task 3: Students are presented with different ways we can deliver a vaccine to the body along with pros and cons. In groups they must discuss which is the best fit for their disease of choice.
Task 4: Hands on. Students will get a chance to explore vaccine delivery using blunt needles to ‘vaccinate’ sponges with water and compare this to other methods. This has been risk assessed and is safe however students will be given safety briefing and a safety demonstration. We will also reassure students who may scared of needles that these are not real ones.
Task 5: Hands on. Testing vaccines. Groups will run an experiment to calculate how many might be protected by their vaccine. They will use scientific pipettes to transfer volumes of liquid to a plate and note the change of colour. The experiment uses red cabbage indicator in acid (vinegar) and alkali (bicarb soda) solutions achieve this and represents more complicated colour change reactions used by scientists to measure the human immune system. Students will use basic math to calculate a % at the end (help for younger students)
Task 6:  Student can name their vaccines (with often hilarious results).

Swindon Borough Schools only, sorry.

Immerse your students in the world of whales and dolphins with "A Whale Of Time"; a comprehensive educational presentation tailored for KS1 through to KS3. This engaging session dives deep into the biology of cetaceans (the scientific grouping for whales, dolphins, and porpoises), using these fascinating creatures to exploring various topics across the science curricula. 

Students will explore the anatomy of these magnificent creatures, learning about their unique adaptations that enable survival in diverse oceanic environments. We'll uncover fascinating aspects of cetacean evolution, tracing their journey from land to sea. The talk also delves into cetacean behaviour and ecology, providing insights into their complex social structures and interactions within marine ecosystems.

Packed with interactive demonstrations and thought-provoking discussions, this talk not only helps support in-class learning but also inspires a passion for our ocean. Additionally, it includes an empowering call to action on anti-captivity and ocean plastic, motivating students to become ocean advocates. 

Bring "A Whale Of Time" to your classroom and let students discover the wonders of marine life!

Delivered by the Incredible Oceans education team, we draw upon our direct classroom experience and personal careers in ocean science, marine research and environmentalism. Crucially, we believe in having a positive approach and celebrating British seas, instead of the usual doom-and-gloom. Each presentation is full of solution-focussed takeaways to empower students.

Each presentation is adjusted accordingly to make them Key Stage appropriate. The talk is design to consolidate in-class learning support ideas around habitats, food chains / webs, adaptations and evolution. Crucially, each talk also features sustainability and environmental content, allowing schools to work towards EcoSchools criteria.

Suggested preparation : ask the class to research their favourite whale (modern day or prehistoric). We find it especially powerful for students to see that the presenters are not “the font of all knowledge” and love it when student audiences bring their own expertise to the table.

Suggested follow-up activity : we enjoy getting pupils politically involved and empower them to reach out to their MP about issues they are concerned about. We invite teachers to embark on a letter-writing campaign inviting MPs into the school to discuss environmental issues with them. We also encourage class to make a display of the creatures researched. The powerpoint presentation can be provided to assist with follow-up activities.

A powerpoint projector / screen to allow audience to view slides. Sound is not required. We can provide our laptop (HDMI / VGA output) or a USB memory stick with the presentation on. Powerpoint ppt software is required on laptops.

Swindon Borough Schools only, sorry.

Dive into the depths with "Journey Into The Deep," an exciting presentation that invites adventurous students on a voyage through the ocean's layers, unveiling the fascinating creatures we find en route. As we descend, we'll meet an array of incredible creatures and deep ocean dwellers, from photic-layer plankton through to the eerie anglerfish to the bottom of the Mariana Trench; the deepest point on Earth.

Our interactive session not only enriches students' understanding of our ocean and the marine life within but also engages them with hands-on demonstrations, supporting National Curriculum content on adaptations, food chains, habitats and evolution. Perfect for sparking curiosity and fostering a love for science, "Journey Into The Deep" is an adventure for all.

Delivered by the Incredible Oceans education team, we draw upon our direct classroom experience and personal careers in ocean science, marine research and environmentalism. Crucially, we believe in having a positive approach and celebrating British seas, instead of the usual doom-and-gloom. Each presentation is full of solution-focussed takeaways to empower students.

Each presentation is adjusted accordingly to make them Key Stage appropriate. The talk is design to consolidate in-class learning support ideas around habitats, food chains / webs, adaptations and evolution. Crucially, each talk also features sustainability and environmental content, allowing schools to work towards EcoSchools criteria.

Suggested preparation : ask the class to research their favourite deep sea creature. We find it especially powerful for students to see that the presenters are not “the font of all knowledge” and love it when student audiences bring their own expertise to the table.

Suggested follow-up activity : we enjoy getting pupils politically involved and empower them to reach out to their MP about issues they are concerned about. We invite teachers to embark on a letter-writing campaign inviting MPs into the school to discuss environmental issues with them. We also encourage class to make a display of the creatures researched. These can be linked together showing a food web interaction and / or the different ocean biomes. The powerpoint presentation can be provided to assist with follow-up activities.

A powerpoint projector / screen to allow audience to view slides. Sound is not required. We can provide our laptop (HDMI / VGA output) or a USB memory stick with the presentation on. Powerpoint ppt software is required on laptops.

Introduce your students to the urgent issue of ocean plastic with "Fake Plastic Seas: Plastic Problems and Solutions." This engaging presentation is specifically designed for KS2, aligning with the Geography and Science curricula, also supports Eco-Schools marine criteria.

Students will delve into the origins of ocean plastic, understanding its sources and the human activities that contribute to its proliferation. The talk covers the significant impact of plastic on marine environments and the diverse creatures that inhabit them. By drawing upon up-to-date research on the plastisphere, students will discover how plastic pollution is altering ecosystems and biodiversity.

The topic of ocean plastic can be somewhat overwhelming and depressing so crucially, the presentation also highlights innovative solutions for cleaning up our ocean and explores novel, sustainable plastic alternatives. Interactive elements and thought-provoking discussions will empower students to take action and become advocates for a cleaner, healthier planet. 

Don't miss the opportunity to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards with "Fake Plastic Seas”.

Delivered by the Incredible Oceans education team, we draw upon our direct classroom experience and personal careers in ocean science, marine research and environmentalism. Crucially, we believe in having a positive approach and celebrating British seas, instead of the usual doom-and-gloom. Each presentation is full of solution-focussed takeaways to empower students.

Each presentation is adjusted accordingly to make them Key Stage appropriate. The talk is design to consolidate in-class learning support ideas around habitats, food chains / webs, adaptations and evolution. Crucially, each talk also features sustainability and environmental content, allowing schools to work towards EcoSchools criteria.

Suggested preparation : conduct a plastic audit with students recording their “plastic footprint” by collecting the single-use plastic they use over a week. Are there any patterns? Specific items or companies that crop up a lot?

Suggested follow-up activity : we enjoy getting pupils politically involved and empower them to reach out to their MP about issues they are concerned about. We invite teachers to embark on a letter-writing campaign inviting MPs into the school to discuss environmental issues with them. The powerpoint presentation can be provided to assist with follow-up activities.

This is a Whole School Challenge! We’ll be exploring bubbles – and different classes will do different experiments to discover the best wand shape for blowing bubbles, the best wand to blow lots of bubbles, the best bubble mix for lots of bubbles and the best bubble mix for long-lasting bubbles. 

What's involved:
Part 1: Monday 10 February - Join the live launch assembly on Zoom for your introduction to the challenge - approx 20 minutes duration (this short session will also be recorded and available to watch on-demand, if you can't make the live session)

Part 2: In class activity, whenever you like from Monday to Thursday morning ! Small group work experiments: between 1-2 hours is suggested for the practical activities, but this is flexible to suit you.
The activities are sorted by age, but you know your class best, so should choose the activity which suits your students the best.
EYFS will be making bubbles using a variety of wand shapes, so they can think about the shape of bubbles. Then they are encouraged to explore other materials in the outdoor play area – what’s the strangest thing they can find to make bubbles? This is an exploratory session.
Y1-2 will be investigating how many bubbles you get using different bubble wands. Students will need to blow bubbles, count and record numbers on a sheet. Some might like to add up those values, but it is anticipated that staff will lead that part. This session helps students explore small and big numbers as well as bubbles. Encourages teamwork.
Full activity notes and a copy of the introductory slides will be provided in advance of the sessions.
***Please read through the whole instruction sheet well in advance of the session as you might need to do some shopping or raid another classroom!*** Materials and costs are kept to a minimum.
You should complete your own risk assessment to consider how the activity will work in your own classroom.
Please take photographs and record data on results then send them to the Festival of Tomorrow team for inclusion in the celebration assembly.
Upload your class's results by 12 noon on Thursday 13 February for them to be featured in our live online finale celebration.

Part 3: Don't orget to also register for the Friday 14 february at 10am Live online Finale Celebration!
Join the celebration assembly on Zoom to see everyone's best photos and results -and share learning from the week.

What's involved:

Part 1: Monday 10 February - Join the live launch assembly on Zoom for your introduction to the challenge - approx 20 minutes duration (this short session will also be recorded and available to watch on-demand, if you can't make the live session)

Part 2: In class activity, whenever you like from Monday to Thursday morning ! Small group work experiments: between 1-2 hours is suggested for the practical activities, but this is flexible to suit you.
The activities are sorted by age, but you know your class best, so should choose the activity which suits your students the best.
Y3-4 will be investigating which bubble mix is best for lots of bubbles. They will be measuring and making different bubble mixes, then working as a team to count and record the number of bubbles blown. Some might like to add up those values, but it is anticipated that staff will lead that part. Students are provided with information about bubble science to help explain their results.
Y5-6 will be investigating which bubble mix is best for making long-lasting bubbles. They will be measuring and making different bubble mixes, then working as a team to time the duration of bubbles and record their results. Some might like to add up those values and even calculate the average, but it is anticipated that staff will lead that part. Students are provided with information about bubble science to help explain their results.
A half term activity is provided for you to share.
Full activity notes and a copy of the introductory slides will be provided in advance of the sessions.
***Please read through the whole instruction sheet well in advance of the session as you might need to do some shopping or raid another classroom!*** Materials and costs are kept to a minimum.
You should complete your own risk assessment to consider how the activity will work in your own classroom.
Please take photographs and record data on results then send them to the Festival of Tomorrow team for inclusion in the celebration assembly.
Upload your class's pictures or short (10 second) videos of their classes explorations and details of your results and observations by 12 noon on Thursday 13 February.

Part 3: Don't forget to also register for the Friday 14 february at 10am Live online Finale Celebration!
Join the celebration assembly on Zoom to see everyone's best photos and results -and share learning from the week.

Swindon Borough Schools only, sorry.

Meet collage artist Marian Hill and find out about her insect illustration project Buzz & Scuttle.  In this session children will discover how awesome UK insects are and then collage their own insect illustration.
Insects may be small & easy to overlook, but they are amazing and diverse creatures which we cannot live without. Indeed, most people are unaware of the extraordinary insects living all around us and the crucial jobs they carry out, so be prepared to be amazed by some fantastic insect facts! 
Buzz & Scuttle workshops can be adapted to any year group and cover subjects covered in the national curriculum such as life cycles, food-chains, pollination and creating wildlife habitat.

At buzzandscuttle.com you can find masses of free information and resources about UK insects. You will discover an insect index, lots of printable A4 posters and a series of themed workshops designed for primary and junior school children, each of which is accompanied by simple creative or practical tasks for children to enjoy. 
Workshop themes include pollination, learn to love weeds, insect-friendly habitat, life cycles, food chains and nature’s waste disposal experts. Each themed workshop includes a PowerPoint presentation and teacher’s notes.
Buzz & Scuttle workshops can be used in conjunction with a school visit from Marian Hill OR as an independent teaching resource.
Marian would be happy to run any of the workshops found at buzzandscuttle.com in your school and can adapt sessions to fit with specific topics outline in the curriculum. 
Session finish with each child making their own insect pin badge to take home.

Marian will bring to the session:
-Insect templates
-card to collage onto
-a pile of old magazine
-Insect information boards
-a powerpoint presentation
-a pin badge making machine

Please could the school supply:
-glue sticks
-scissors
-extra magazines to use as collage material if possible
- a screen to show a PowerPoint presentation if possible.

Dr Robin Hayward is a forest scientist who has worked around the world studying trees and forests, as well as being the winner of this years BIG Demo Competition – a competition in which professional science communicators showcase their best demonstrations of concepts from STEM.
They will talk about the cutting edge science behind creating new biodiverse woodlands in the UK, as well as the ways that trees have spread out around the world and have evolved to create woodlands on their own.
The show was developed with the Royal Institution and features engaging demonstrations of different types of seed dispersal, from simple gravity to explosive fruits!
We’ll also touch on carbon sequestration, climate change, and biodiversity.

Can Artificial Intelligence be creative?
In our interactive show, you’re the judge. Learn about AI, and look at our fun examples of art, fashion, and photography. Are they a product of human creativity, or generated by an algorithm? How would you feel if your crush sent you a romantic poem written by a robot? What if your favourite comic book wasn’t even drawn by a human? Help us explore if it’s ever fair to use AI to create art.
This show was originally created thanks to funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Bridging AI Responsible Divides programme. This show is offered for free at this festival thanks to the Data Education in Schools project as part of the University of Edinburgh.
This online event will be broadcast on YouTube Live and schools can interact with the presenters using Mentimeter (you do not need to set up any accounts to take part).
Once you have registered your class for this show, you will be emailed a few days before the event with all the information you need, including links to join the live online show.