Plan for British Science Week 2026

It’s that time of year again: British Science Week, an annual 10-day celebration of all things science, technology, engineering and maths, takes place 6–15 March 2026.

British Science Week engages people of all ages with science, while supporting teachers and educators in delivering activities and planning events for learners. This year’s theme, Curiosity: what’s your question?, encourages students to get inquisitive – what better way to get your learners thinking and asking questions than with hands-on experiments and activities?

If you want to get involved but are unsure where to start, try our science outreach activities and resources hub. There, you will find a range of hands-on activities, from simple experiments using household materials and ingredients to half and full-day projects, and activities designed for a series of science club sessions.

Here are some top picks from the collection

Simple experiments using household materials and ingredients

These activities can be delivered using household materials and ingredients alongside simple equipment purchased from a supermarket e.g. containers, coffee filters and pans:

• Investigate chemical reactions and irreversible changes with popping vitamin C tablets.
• Explore sustainable plastics by making your own out of potato starch.
• Examine whether a black pen is always black using colourful chromatography.

Experiments using materials and ingredients that can be easily sourced

These activities can be delivered using easy-to-source materials and ingredients purchased specifically for the activity:

• Explore cross-linking polymers by making slimy alginate worms.
• Analyse how salt affects equilibrium, concentration and pH when used in cooking.
• Examine cold chemistry with practical applications of endothermic reactions.

Experiments using specialist materials, ingredients and equipment

These activities require specialist materials and are designed to be delivered during off-timetable science days in schools, over several chemistry lessons or a series of STEM club sessions to provide context and highlight chemistry careers:

• Analyse food and drink samples using different analytical techniques.
• Explore how nanoparticles are used in sunscreen and evaluate methods to test their effectiveness.
• Investigate the relationship between the concentration of calcium ions and the ‘hardness’ of water.

More support

• If you’re a Teach Chemistry member, you can explore a wide range of Education resources, including lesson plans, worksheets and activities. All secondary school teachers and technicians can sign up for free.
• Turn curiosity into a career with our A Future in Chemistry resources and job profiles.
• Eligible educators can access the public engagement training and resources in the RSC members’ area.

What will you and your learners do this British Science Week? Share how you’re celebrating with us and your fellow teachers on social media using the hashtags #BSE26 and #RSCEducation.