A Hands-On STEM Play & Engineering Kit

Created by Scientific Sue, whose interactive science shows inspire thousands of young scientists every year.

What happens when storytelling meets structural engineering?

In this interactive STEM theatre experience, children don’t just hear the story… they build it, test it, and engineer their way through it!

Inspired by Sue Carvell’s (Scientific Sue’s) live performances, The 3 Ingenious Pigs & Gale Force the Wolf transforms a familiar tale into a powerful exploration of forces, materials, design, and problem-solving.

Exclusive Access: The Ingenious Engineers Resource Hub

When you purchase this kit, you’re not just receiving materials — you’re unlocking a complete teaching experience.

You will be sent a secure password granting access to The Ingenious Engineers Resource Hub, your dedicated online support space for delivering the full STEM theatre experience with confidence.

Inside the Hub you’ll find:

• Full narrated script for easy classroom delivery
• Clear explanations of forces, materials and structures
• Step-by-step engineering challenge guidance
• Drama direction tips to engage every child
• Real-world housing comparison visuals
• Extension and differentiation ideas
• Curriculum mapping (UK & Ireland)
• Question prompts to deepen scientific thinking

Everything is designed to help you lead meaningful investigations — not just activities.

Full of experiments, facts, and fun ways to bring Science2Life!

What Children Will Do

• Act out the story using pig and wolf masks
• Test houses against “Gale Force” wind power
• Build and compare straw, stick, and brick structures
• Explore stability, strength, and structural design
• Create and use a working balloon pulley system to solve a dramatic rescue challenge
• Predict, test, improve, and redesign their builds

This is engineering thinking in action.

STEM Concepts Explored

• Pushes and pulls
• Effects of forces (starting, stopping, changing direction)
• Strong vs weak structures
• Materials and their properties
• Stability and foundations
• Simple machines (pulleys)
• Real-world housing comparisons

Perfect for linking to Forces & Energy, World Around Us, and cross-curricular drama and literacy objectives.

What’s Included

• Character masks (pigs and wolf)
• Story script for teacher-led narration
• House-building materials (straw, sticks, template guidance)
• Guidance for brick builds (LEGO® or similar)
• Pulley system activity instructions
• Teacher guide with STEM explanations and discussion prompts
• Real-world housing comparison notes
• Extension ideas for literacy, numeracy, and drama

Everything you need to bring the classroom story to life.

Designed for Teachers. Loved by Children.

Created by Sue Carvell — founder of Science2Life and former Guinness World Record holder for the Largest Practical Science Lesson — this kit blends:

Practical engineering
Creative drama
Scientific investigation
Cross-curricular learning

Full of experiments, facts, and fun ways to bring Science2Life!

The post STEM STORY: 3 Ingenious Pigs Engineering Kit appeared first on Science2Life.

Uncover the secrets of ancient Celtic science through storytelling, experiments, and hands-on discovery!

Includes:

• Hands-on activity kit delivered by post

• Exclusive workshop video with Scientific Sue

• 35-page teaching & guidance booklet

• Bonus downloadable resources as they’re released
  Delivery: UK & Ireland
  Perfect for: Teachers, home educators, and curious families

Outside the UK & Ireland? Just contact us first so we can arrange delivery.

Step back in time and explore the fascinating world of the Celts with this interactive online workshop, led by Scientific Sue. Through storytelling, experiments, and creative activities, you’ll uncover how the Celts used plants, chemistry, and clever engineering in their everyday lives.

When you purchase this workshop, you’ll receive everything you need to bring the experience to life:

Activity Kit Box (delivered by post)
Packed with materials for hands-on experiments, including natural dyeing, soap making, coin casting, and more.

Exclusive Online Access (link and password provided after purchase)

• Full workshop video – follow along with Scientific Sue as she guides you through the activities step by step.

• 35-page teaching & guidance booklet – packed with scientific explanations, activity instructions, historical insights, and creative inspiration.

• Bonus resources – additional worksheets, activities, and teaching aids as they are released.

This workshop is perfect for teachers, home educators, and curious families who want to combine storytelling, science, and history in a fun, interactive way.

Format: Online access + physical activity kit
Recommended for: Ages 8+ (with adult guidance)

What’s in the Kit

Activity 1 – Iron Extraction

• Pre-measured iron oxide & sodium carbonate mix
• Wooden splint x 2
• Neodymium magnet x 2
• Small test-tube with iron filings
• Candle

Activity 2 – Natural Paints

• Dried hibiscus petals 15 g
• Dried marigold heads 10 g
• Dried butterfly pea flowers 4 g
• Red cabbage powder 10 g
• Gum Arabic powder 80 g
• pH colour chart for red cabbage

Activity 3 – Celtic Warrior Art

• Male warrior template
• Female warrior template

Enhance the Workshop Experience!

Make your Celtic Chemist session even more memorable by giving every child the chance to carry out their own Iron Ore Extraction experiment during the workshop.

These standalone kits are designed for use under adult supervision and take just 5 minutes to complete — perfect for festivals, science events, and classroom activities.

Each kit contains everything needed for a fully hands-on experience, allowing every learner to extract their own source of iron as part of the workshop.

Magnet Safety Notice: Each kit contains strong neodymium magnets. Adult supervision is required, and kits are not suitable for children under 8.

[Click here to order extra kits]

Workshop Overview

This immersive, hands-on experience blends science, history, art, and engineering through three linked activities, inspired by the Science Week theme:
The Science of Innovation – Then, Today and Tomorrow

Activities include:

1. Iron Extraction Demonstration

• Teacher-led experiment showing how the Celts smelted iron from ore.
• Teacher notes provide information on modern blast furnaces and future hydrogen-based steelmaking.

1. Making Natural Paints

• Pupils create pigments from plants such as hibiscus, butterfly pea, marigold, and red cabbage.
• Learn about their historic uses and modern sustainable alternatives.

1. Celtic Warrior Art Project

• Pupils design warrior face markings using the paints they have made, exploring Celtic symbolism and creativity.

Why This Workshop Stands Out

This is more than just a science workshop — it’s an immersive journey that blends history, heritage, art, and engineering into one unforgettable experience. Created especially for Science Week, it’s equally perfect for Heritage Week, arts festivals, museum events, and cross-curricular projects throughout the year. Pupils don’t just watch — they make, explore, and connect with Ireland’s cultural heritage while developing STEM skills that last a lifetime.

• Cross-curricular – Links history, art, science, and engineering.
• Hands-on & visual – Every child creates something to take home.
• STEM + Heritage – Shows science as part of Ireland’s cultural past.
• Adaptable – Suitable for primary and lower secondary pupils.
• Curriculum-supportive – Forces, materials, states of matter, natural resources, sustainability.

Long before modern science labs, the Celts were masters of invention. They could turn rock into metal, plants into paints, and ideas into beautiful designs. In this workshop, you’ll step into their world — testing, creating, and innovating just as they did.

The post THE CELTIC CHEMIST – An Interactive Online Workshop appeared first on Science2Life.

Making bubbles in Antrim Castle Gardens

Tri-String Bubble Wand × 5

Create Magical Giant Bubbles!

Celebrate summer with this 5-Wand Bundle – only £20 (was £24.95)!
While stocks last, bring the wonder of science and the joy of play to life with Scientific Sue’s Tri-String Bubble Wands– your ultimate tools for creating giant, glistening bubbles that float, twist, and dance through the air.

Why Parents & Teachers Love It

• Endless outdoor fun – Watch as huge shimmering bubbles mesmerise children and adults alike.

• STEM through play – Explore surface tension, air flow, and bubble chemistry while having fun.

• Perfect for all settings – Great for gardens, parks, science shows, school activities, parties, and sensory play sessions.

• Engaging for all ages – Simple enough for children, yet magical enough to captivate everyone.

What’s Included

• 5× Tri-String Bubble Wands (choose Yellow, Purple, or a mix!)

• Step-by-step instructions for using your wands effectively

• One of Scientific Sue’s bubble recipes using easy-to-find supermarket ingredients (bubble solution not included)

Educational Benefits

• Encourages hands-on science learning about air, forces, and surface tension.

• Builds observation and measurement skills by testing bubble size and duration.

• Introduces STEM concepts naturally through outdoor play.

• Inspires curiosity and creativity while blending learning with fun.

A STEM Twist:

How to build your trip-string wand

These wands aren’t just for fun – they’re also a great way to explore surface tension, air flow, and the chemistry of bubbles. Learn as you play!

Activity Ideas

1. Bubble Size Challenge

• Dip the string section into the bubble solution – ensure the entire string is soaked.

• Walk backwards slowly on calm days, or stand with your back to the breeze on windy days.

• Measure how long your bubbles stretch before popping using a tape measure, strides, or chalk marks.

2. Compare Bubble Recipes

Try different bubble solutions and record your results:

3. Bubble Races

Release bubbles at the same time and see whose bubble travels furthest or lasts longest.

4. STEM Storytelling

Ask children:

“Why do some bubbles burst in strong winds?”
“How does the wand ‘trap’ air to make such huge bubbles?”

Science Note

The tri-string wand works by trapping air inside a soapy film stretched between three pieces of string. The absorbed bubble mix strengthens the film, allowing it to stretch into supersized bubbles.

Top Tip:
Close the wands gently after inflating a bubble – this seals off the film and lets the bubble float away rather than collapsing. It’s like tying off a balloon, locking the air safely inside.

Live Show & Virtual Experience Links

For the full bubble science experience, explore Scientific Sue’s Science of Bubbles Show:

• Live Shows – Watch giant bubbles, colour-changing experiments, and STEM magic in person

• Virtual Experience – Perfect for schools, groups, and at-home learners

Parenting & Classroom Tips

• Use bubbles for turn-taking – set a sand timer so everyone gets a fair go.

• Combine measurement skills with fun – compare bubble length, height, and float time.

• Great for sensory regulation – calming for children who benefit from visual, slow-flowing activities.

Bubbles by the se

Sparks of imagination are at the heart of creativity!
– Scientific Sue     

The post TRI-STRING BUBBLE WAND x 5 appeared first on Science2Life.

Making bubbles in Antrim Castle Gardens

Bring the wonder of science and play to life with Scientific Sue’s Tri-String Bubble Wand – your ultimate tool for making giant, glistening bubbles that float, twist, and dance through the air!

Product Highlights:

• Vibrant Colours: Choose from cheerful Yellow or Purple wands – or grab both for even more bubbly fun!

• Impressive Reach: Each wand measures 52.5 cm when fully assembled – ideal for crafting spectacular supersized bubbles.

• Science in Action: Includes one of Scientific Sue’s specially formulated bubble recipes, made using easy-to-find ingredients from your local supermarket (bubble solution not included).

• Fun for All Ages: Perfect for outdoor play, science shows, school activities, birthday parties, and family days in the garden or park.

Want More Bubble Magic?

Prefer more fun in one go? Our Tri‑String Bubble Wand × 5 – Summertime Special is now just £20 (down from £24.95)!

Click here to grab the 5‑wand bundle and save →

A STEM Twist:

How to build your trip-string wand

These wands aren’t just for fun – they’re also a great way to explore surface tension, air flow, and the chemistry of bubbles. Learn as you play!

Stretch Test with the Tri-String Wand

Before you start, make sure your tri-string wand is fully soaked in bubble solution. Play with the wand to create bubbles of all sizes and get the string ready!

To measure bubble length, use a measuring tape or mark the ground using foot lengths or strides.

Test Instructions:

• Dip the string section of the wand into the bucket of bubble solution. You have to make sure the whole of the string is covered. DO NOT STIR this will tangle up the string.
• Keeping the sticks of the wand together remove the string from the bubble solution. Lift the sticks high. Open up the sticks. You will see a bubble film stretch between the strings.
• If it isn’t windy you will have to walk backwards (safely!) to catch the air in the bubble film.

To make a bubble:

On a calm day: Walk backwards to let the air fill the film – you will need to practice the speed at which you walk. Too slow and nothing will happen – Too fast the bubble film will burst

On a breezy day: Stand with your back to the wind.

The wind will inflate the bubble for you! You don’t need to move – just open the wand and let the wind do the magic. If it is too windy the pushing forces of the air molecules will burst the delicate bubble film.

1. Measure the length of your longest bubble at the point that it just pops or breaks.
2. Repeat 3 times for each solution.
3. Because wind can affect your results, should you repeat the test more than 3 times?

Bubbles by the sea

Science Note:

The large loop and gentle movement help trap air in the bubble film. The soaked string creates a stable surface that stretches into a giant bubble before breaking away.

 Top Tip: Close the Wands to Make the Bubble Fly!

When you’re ready to release your bubble, gently bring the two wands back together. This pinches the soap film and seals off the bubble, allowing it to float away instead of collapsing.

Why This Works:

• The soap film is like a stretchy curtain between the 3 lengths of string.
• If you don’t close the wands, the film stays openand the bubble won’t break off — it just pops or collapses.
• Closing the wands snaps the film shut, turning the long soap tunnel into a complete bubble.

Think of it like tying the end of a balloon — the air stays inside the bubble because you’ve sealed it off just in time.

Sparks of imagination are at the heart of creativity!
– Scientific Sue     

The post TRI-STRING BUBBLE WAND x 1 appeared first on Science2Life.

Unleash the Jitterbug! A thrilling engineering activity using electric excitement with off-centre cam magic!

Science2Life’s Science iT! Activities takes everyday life objects, toys and knick-knacks and turns them into fun, innovative science projects.

In this activity Scientific Sue uses a simple circuit with a motor and off-centred mass to turn a pot into a Jitterbug! In fact the vibrating circuit could be attached to a range of items. What would you like to see vibrate across the floor?

This activity allows your children to learn to build electrical circuits in a unique, engaging, fun and achievable way!

We supply the items required to bring your bug creation to life. Hear it buzz and watch it skitter across the table or floor.

With a little more ingenuity  you can turn this Jitterbug into a Drawbot! Just add felt tipped pens as legs and turn your design into a drawing machine. Switch on the motor and watch your creation come to life to wiggle and vibrate across the page. The Drawbot Click on this link to see it in action!

Contents:

• 350 ml pot with lid x 30
• Battery holder with wires and switch x 30
• AA Battery x 30
• Motor tag connectors x 60
• 5 V motor x 30
• Off-centre Cam x 30
• Motor clip x 30
• Sticky glue dots x 300
• Lolly pop sticks x 100
• Wiggly eyes x 60
• Bag of craft materials
• Teaching notes

What you need:

What will your creation look like?

Art materials to turn your machine into the most unique bug!

This kit makes use of a rapidly spinning off-centre mass to cause movement.

In these images the circuit is placed on top the lid – the lid is then connected to the item you wish to turn into a jitterbug.

Our bug with the battery and motor inside the pot.

The Jitterbug!

Click on the link above to see my creation in action! The art materials are not included –  our creations  are just intended to show you how easily the vibrating lid or pot can be modified.

The circuit can be placed on to of the lid or pot or inside the pot – If inside the pot you will find there is more scope for decorating your vibrating creature.

If the motor mount is on top pipe cleaners and other items can be added to the yellow cam to creating a spinning nose or tail!

Jitterbug_Teacher_Curriculum_Sheet – Click here to view the full curriculum links for Ireland, Northern Ireland, England & Wales.

Curriculum Links:

• construct a simple series electrical circuit, identifying and naming its basic parts, including battery, wires, switch and motor.
• recognise that a switch opens and closes a circuit and associate this with whether the motor spins or not.
• develop and design an innovative, functional and appealing product that is fit for purpose.

Science2Life’s Science iT! activities and programmes

Children love to be engaged in learning, especially through interactive projects that they can really get involved and be hands on with.

Science2Life’s Science iT! activities and programmes are part of our STEAM Academy. The activities use everyday life objects, toys and knick-knacks and turns them into fun, innovative, hands-on experiences designed to encourage children to:

• discover the amazing world of science and engineering
• to perform engaging activities that show how science and engineering is at work in their everyday lives
• to foster a lifelong love of science and engineering
• to give a basic grounding in scientific concepts and scientific thinking
• to increase children’s motivation to learn and
• enhance their perception, creativity and logic.

Hands-on learning is learning by doing.

Children involved in our ‘Science iT!’ activities and programmes are introduced to various STEAM learning methods and activities. Our creative programmes involve learning activities that require active thinking and experimenting to find out how things work. We all know how curious children are about the world around them and how they love using the word ‘why?’

The aim of our activities is to provide optimal learning opportunities that strategically help children grasp mathematics, engineering and science concepts.

The inclusion of the arts component into STEM makes it more fun to learn, and more approachable to children.

Art education allows children to learn things in a more open-ended way and make them applicable to real life.

Links to the curriculum

All of Science2Life activities can be used to entertain children – however they have been created with the curriculum in mind, so are perfect activities to generate mesmerizing examples of the topics they can be used to explore.

All of our Science iT! activities can up scaled-up to be used in workshops within the classroom, for festival and birthday celebrations, which provide opportunities for children to collaborate on initiatives, explorations and creations.

The idea behind our Science iT! activities is to ignite children’s natural innate curiosity about the world around them (and the items in it) and to channel their enthusiasm for scientific discovery as early as possible.

Currently Science2Life have the following Science iT! activities:

1. The Magical EVANESCO Spell
2. The Magical AMORTENTIA Spell
3. The Super Bouncing Bubble Kit
4. Make your own Fossil Kit
5. Colour Changing Bracelet Kit
6. Pneumatic Monsters Activity
7. Creative Circuits
8. The Magical Wandarama
9. Gone Fishing
10. The Jitter Bug

All of the above can be upscaled to become workshops. Interested? Give us a call!

Scientificsue@science2life.com

+447970884728

Note: All of Science2Life’s STEAM ACADEMY shows and workshops are designed to not only motivate and fire the spirit of discovery within your children but also ignite curiosity in their minds.

For more information on our shows visit our website: https://www.science2life.com

Sparks of imagination are at the heart of creativity!
                                                                                   – Scientific Sue

The post JITTERBUG ACTIVITY CLASSROOM KIT (30) appeared first on Science2Life.

Harry Potter’s Incendio Wand

This wand shoots real fire – it is not a toy.

Introducing the Harry Potter Incendio Wand – where enchantment meets innovation in a mesmerizing blend of technology and artistry. Crafted with precision and inspired by the magical world, this wand brings the wonders of wizardry to life with its sophisticated ignition mechanism reminiscent of professional stage magic tools.

Scroll to the bottom to download instructions for use.

What’s included?

• Magic Incendio Wand
• Flash Paper (100 shots)
• USB Charger
• Small Screwdriver
• Beginners guide to wand motion sheet
• Presentation Box

At the heart of the Incendio Wand lies a carefully integrated technology that seamlessly merges with its magical aesthetic. The wand is meticulously crafted using high-quality resin and steel pipe, ensuring a non-toxic, odorless, and well-made masterpiece. Experience the magic like never before as you produce jaw-dropping effects, captivating any spectator or passerby with an incredibly realistic fireball touch to ignite.

Step 1

Load the wand with the flash paper – Start with 10 cm x 1 cm

Step 2: Cast a Fireball!

Take aim at a space in front of you, as you utter the mystical incantation “incendio’, press the button to unleash the magical fireball.

The wand responds with a mesmerizing display of flames, and the tighter or bigger the paper, the further the flame ball will gracefully soar. What’s more, this portable wonder works without the need for fuel, lighters, or any harmful objects, making it both safe and convenient for magical enthusiasts of all ages.

Perfect for parties, theater role play, birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, and costume accessories, the Incendio Wand is a must-have for those who seek to add a touch of magic to any occasion. Packaged in an elegant wand box, it makes for an enchanting gift that will charm recipients with its captivating shape. Elevate your magical moments with the Harry Potter Incendio Wand – where fantasy and reality seamlessly converge.

Flash Paper

The flash paper needs to be dry. Run a hairdryer on the hot setting over the paper for 10 – 20 seconds before use.

The strip measurement used in the video is 1 cm x 10 cm strips. Fold the strip twice, then roll it. It will be the perfect fit for the opening at the tip of the wand!

Instructions for incendio wand.

SAFETY

Do not shoot near flammable objects, people or animals.

The wand must be switched off when it is not in use and when you are loading the flash paper.

Do not look directly into the wand when it is primed.

Sparks of imagination are at the heart of creativity!
– Scientific Sue     

The post THE INCENDIO WAND: HARRY POTTER appeared first on Science2Life.

This 1-cell AA battery holder with wires is excellent for use in any hobby or science project.  The unit includes wire leads for easy hook-up, and it has an on-off switch function, making it perfect for use in hobby projects.  Recommended for electronics applications, for use in science fair projects and more!

Features:

• AA cell battery holder, houses 1 AA battery
• Has on-off switch function
• Wire leads are included
• Great for use in electronics applications and small hobby projects
• RoHS Compliant

• 

  1 x AA battery holder with switch and wires

The post 1 x AA BATTERY HOLDER WITH SWITCH AND LEADS appeared first on Science2Life.

Bring your dragon to life and watch it spin and soar through the air with the power of science and a little imagination!

• 15 multicoloured linking balloons

What You’ll Need:

• Hairdryer or
• Retort stand, boss, and clamp — or masking tape and a sturdy table
• Permanent markers
• Balloon Pump

1. Let’s Create:

   1. Inflate 5 balloons (start with 5 – you can add a 6th later if needed).

   2. Link the balloons together end-to-end to form a wiggly line – this is your dragon’s body!

   3. Decorate: Draw your dragon’s face on one end using marker pens. Use your own design or our fun template.

   4. Form a Ring: Join the head and tail to create a circular dragon.

   5. Set Up the Air Stream:
      – If using a retort stand, clamp the hairdryer at about a 5-degree angle to vertical.
      – If using tape, position the hairdryer on a table and tilt it slightly backward. Use books or blocks to test the angle before taping it securely in place.

   6. Power Up: Switch the hairdryer on to full blast!

   7. Take Flight: Gently hold your dragon in the airstream and let go. Watch as it hovers, spins, and dances like a real flying dragon!

   8. Adjust as Needed:
      – If it flies too high, add another balloon to increase weight.
      – If it doesn’t spin, adjust the angle of the hairdryer slightly.

   ---

   Top Tips:

   • Use the cool setting on the hairdryer.

   • Experiment with balloon numbers and angles to see how they affect your dragon’s flight.

   • Great for exploring forces, motion, air pressure — and dragon magic!

 Sparks of imagination are at the heart of creativity!

                                                                                                – @ScientificSue

The post DIY FLYING BALLOON DRAGON KIT appeared first on Science2Life.

Become a Bugstronaut Engineer!

Fizz. Pop. Fly!

Can you help Fizzbit the Bugstronaut return home?

This exciting hands-on STEM activity transforms children into real scientists as they investigate the perfect launch conditions for their bug-powered rockets. Every launch is packed with suspense, excitement, and scientific discovery!

Add water and a fizz tablet to the rocket tube, snap on the bug-topped lid, and wait…

At first, nothing seems to happen.

But inside the tube, something incredible is taking place. The tablet is fizzing away, releasing an invisible gas called carbon dioxide. The pressure builds higher… and higher… and then…

POP! WHOOSH!

Your Bugstronaut blasts into the air!

A Complete STEM Investigation Kit

Bug Blaster isn’t just a rocket activity – it’s a complete scientific investigation that encourages children to:

Can you help Fizzbit get home? Join the Bug Blaster mission and investigate launch angles, rocket power and fizz-fuelled science through three exciting STEM investigations.

Ask questions
Make predictions
Carry out fair tests
Measure and record results
Identify patterns
Draw conclusions
Think like real scientists and engineers.

Three Missions. One Bugstronaut. Endless Discoveries.

Mission 1 – The Launch Angle Challenge

Become a Bugstronaut scientist! Investigate launch angle, discover how many launches one tablet can power, and explore how water affects rocket performance.

Which launch angle makes your Bugstronaut travel the furthest?

Mission 2 – Fuel Efficiency Investigation

How many launches can one fizz tablet power?

Mission 3 – Launch Power Investigation

How does the amount of water affect your rocket’s performance?

Each mission encourages children to experiment, collect evidence, and improve their designs—just like real space engineers.

Science iT!

This activity is part of the Science iT! range, where ordinary objects become extraordinary investigations. In Bug Blaster, an everyday effervescent tablet tube becomes a fizz-powered rocket laboratory!

Science It! is the hands-on STEM activity range from Science2Life, inspiring children to investigate, discover and ignite their curiosity through exciting science investigations

What’s Included?

Launch your Bugstronaut into the sky with this exciting fizz-powered rocket investigation kit. Decorate, experiment and discover the science of gas pressure and forces.

Everything you need to launch, investigate and think like a scientist!

10 reusable fizz rocket tubes

30 Bugstronaut toppers

5 tubes of effervescent fuel tablets (100 tablets) – enough for approximately 120 launches straight out of the box

30 Mission Complete Certificates

1  Printed Curriculum-Linked Teacher Guide – including launch instructions, safety guidance, scientific explanations, extension ideas and teacher support notes.

30  Printed Bug Blast Mission Log Booklets – an ink-saving pupil workbook featuring three exciting scientific investigations:

• Mission 1 – Launch Angle Challenge
• Mission 2 – Fuel Efficiency Investigation
• Mission 3 – Launch Power Investigation

Digital Resource Pack – both the Teacher Guide and Mission Log Booklet are also supplied electronically, making them easy to print, photocopy and use again and again.

Plus…

Enough materials for approximately 100 launches

Reusable year after year

Minimal preparation required

Perfect for lessons, STEM clubs, science festivals and family events

Big launches. Big discoveries. Big smiles.

Because the best way to learn science… is to do science.

The Science Behind the Blast-Off

The fizzing tablets contain citric acid and sodium hydrogen carbonate (bicarbonate of soda).

Page 6 of the 14-page Fizz-Pop-Fly Teacher Mission Guide, providing scientific background, predicted results and teaching notes for the launch-angle investigation.

When they dissolve in water, they react to produce carbon dioxide gas.

Because the gas cannot escape, the pressure inside the tube increases.

Eventually, the force pushing on the lid becomes greater than the friction holding it in place…

POP!

The lid launches into the air carrying your Bugstronaut with it.

Children explore:

Chemical Reactions
Gas Pressure
Forces and Motion
Variables and Fair Testing
Data Handling and Interpretation
Scientific Enquiry Skills

Bugstronaut Craft Zone

Before launch, children can personalise their rockets by decorating the tubes with stickers, drawings, colours, and mission logos.

Can you design your own space programme and give your rocket a mission name?

Because every great astronaut needs a great spacecraft!

Why Teachers Love It

Fully curriculum-linked STEM activity

Page from the 13-page Fizz-Pop-Fly Pupil Mission Booklet, where children receive an emergency transmission from Fizzbit and begin three exciting investigations to help launch him back into space.

Encourages scientific enquiry and investigative skills

Minimal preparation required

Highly reusable and cost-effective

Perfect for:

• Science lessons
• STEM clubs
• Science Week activities
• After-school clubs
• Transition programmes
• Family learning events

Suitable for ages 7–14 years.

Why Event Organisers Love It

• Huge WOW factor
• Brilliant make-and-take activity
• Children decorate and personalise their own rockets
• Easy to run with large groups
• Creates excitement and anticipation with every launch

Perfect for:

Science Festivals
Libraries
Holiday Clubs
Family Fun Days
Museums
Community Events
Birthday Parties

You’ll Also Need

• Water
• Paper towels (if working indoors)
• Safety glasses or goggles (recommended)

Mission Safety Checklist

Wear safety glasses if available.

Always launch in a large, open space.

Point rockets away from people, pets, walls, and windows.

For maximum height, launch vertically.

For maximum distance, investigate different launch angles—around 45° often gives the greatest range.

Collect all Bugstronauts after launch and wipe up any spills.

Curriculum Links

KS2/KS3 Science

• Forces and Motion
• Reversible and Irreversible Changes
• Working Scientifically
• Planning Investigations
• Measuring and Recording
• Identifying Patterns
• Drawing Conclusions

Bonus Challenge Included!

Mission 4 – Does Launcher Length Matter?

The six tablet storage tubes included in your kit are longer than the standard launch tubes…

Could they become Deep Space Launchers?

Challenge your young scientists to investigate:

Does a longer launcher make the Bugstronaut fly higher?

Does it take longer to launch?

Does the extra space inside the tube affect the pressure build-up?

Children will:

Make predictions

Design fair tests

Collect and analyse data

Discover that engineers often need to test their ideas before knowing the answer.

This open-ended investigation introduces children to a fascinating scientific idea:

The size of a container can affect how quickly pressure builds up inside it.

Because sometimes in science…

bigger isn’t always better!

Then add a little call-out box:

Teacher Tip: Don’t throw away the tablet tubes! They can become bonus launchers for an extra STEM challenge.

More Than a Rocket Kit…

Bug Blaster combines:

Chemistry
Engineering
Physics
Mathematics
Creativity
Problem Solving

Children don’t simply launch rockets…

They become scientists on a mission to get Fizzbit safely home.

Because the best way to learn science… is to do science.

– Scientific Sue 

Sparks of imagination are at the heart of creativity!

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A Science2Life Production

TEACHING NOTES – Show and Activity Guidance

What’s in the box?

• 10 x Magically Appearing Pop Up Wand
• Magic Rope – flexible to stiff
• Static Electric Balloon x 1
• Cosmic Energy Ball
• Flower from Wand Trick
•  Evanesco Spell 50g Gelli Baff, 50g salt, 3 opaque paper cups
• 1 x ‘Science is Fun’sound ribbon
• 1 x Rocket balloon
• Balloon Pump
• 2 x balloons
• 1 x sachet of salt and pepper
• Alien bug
• Acrobatic Dragon Activity: 30 Dragon templates, Magic wand, 3 neodymium magnets, 10 paper clips, kebab stick
• Tube of effervescent tablets

This highly creative and magical scientific journey of discovery focuses on invisible forces that are constantly acting on us whether we realise it or not!

• Gravitational
• Static Electric
• Magnetic
• Electromagnetic

Levitation tricks use the principles of physics – physics is the modern-day name for MAGIC!

… and yes, scientists and engineers are WIZARDS!

This show is about magical people, magical creatures and invisible magical forces and one of its aims is to reveal the secret ways of a wizard’s art and hopefully teach you how to learn to wield them too!

This virtual experience is the next best thing to a live show!

There are multiple opportunities for the pupils to engage throughout the show… yes volunteers are still required!

Part 1: Focuses on what forces can do and then on the magical properties of our invisible Gravitational Force.

The ‘make and take’ section has the children investigating the centre of mass of an acrobatic dragon, then using this knowledge, they will train their dragon to balance on the end of its nose.

Part 2: An introduction to Electric and Magnetic Forces. Here we also explore sound plus 4 amazing wizards and how their discoveries brought about the record player and the disco ball!

The Magical Science & Engineering Show – A scientific journey of magical discovery

Sue’s wacky combination of science and drama makes this Educational Show both magical, entertaining and thought provoking.

Hubble Bubble Toil and Trouble….. Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble!

This show is about magical people, magical creatures and invisible magical forces. A Chief Wizard (you!) and their magical apprentices (your pupils) will be needed to help Scientific Sue find out the science and engineering behind many amazing illusions and magical tricks.

We are surrounded by invisible forces which can be used to push and pull. Using these mystical properties Scientific Sue will show you how the ‘magical’ properties of magnets can be used to make items spin! Demonstrate how the science of spin can also be used to defy the pulling forces of gravity; and how electric forces can be used to ‘magically’ make things fly.

The show aims to reveal the secret ways of a wizard’s art and hopefully teach you to learn how to wield them too!

Magical spells will be used to make items fly, disappear and reappear!  All of the activities will not only stimulate curiosity and imagination within your young audiences but will also highlight the relevance and impact of science and engineering on our everyday lives.

Warning:  Danger Science Magic – Fun Guaranteed!

Curriculum Links: Forces and Energy, Electricity, Magnetism, Gravity, Polymers.

Science2Life’s Virtual Experiences Explained

 Science education in a fun format

The science show is interactive!!!

The most exciting part about our Virtual Experiences is the fact that you, the teacher, is now in charge of the speed at which the show takes place. You can stop and start the video to check on your children’s understanding, to repeat a section they really enjoyed and to carry out one of the many interactive sessions which requires a volunteer…. Yes, volunteers are still required!

Flexible learning – the timetable is set by you!

You may choose to split the viewing of the show over several days; you may also want to choose more than one volunteer or to allow the whole class to do one or more of the activities!

All of Science2Life’s STEAM ACADEMY shows and workshops are designed to not only motivate and fire the spirit of discovery within your children but also ignite curiosity in their minds.

Age: Upper Primary / Lower Secondary

Science2Life currently has 3 Virtual Experiences on offer. They all consist of an interactive show and a make and take activity:

1. The Science of Bubbles Show
2. The Science of Dragons Show
3. The Magical Science and Engineering Show

 When you book your Virtual Science Experience you will be:

• Asked for your logo and your personal introductory statement which is incorporated into the video.
• Sent a link via WeTransfer for your choice of video for you to down load so that it can be loaded onto your media platform of choice (This link must be downloaded within a given timeframe.) – or an unlisted YouTube link will be sent if you don’t have this facility.
• Sent the ‘Experience Box’ by post. This box contains the items and chemicals required for the interactive sections of the show. Extra Experience boxes can be purchased from our online store.

Your video will be unique to you! Starting with your personalised introductory message and your  logo/logos  used as transition links throughout the entire video!

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