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.

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.

• Hands-on educational project

• Online support for setting up and delivering the programme

• Virtual workshop given by Scientific Sue

Want Scientific Sue to run this session in your school, for your event or even to create a bespoke session for you? That can be arranged too!

Although we have called this activity ‘Pneumatic Mini-Beasts‘ your children can use the contents to make any toy which uses the inflated balloon to open or move it. This creative activity helps to develop children’s understanding of control through investigating simple pneumatic systems and designing and making a model of a toy that has moving parts controlled by moving air – pneumatics.

Enough material to make 30 models

• Balloon pump
• Balloons x 40
• Paper plates x 60
• Double sided stickers/sticky dots x 250
  

  Is this a friendly spider?

• Pipe cleaners x 300
• Plastic tubing x 30
• Ping pong balls x 60
• Wiggly eyes x 60
• Wire ties x 40
• Plastic ‘throat’ rings x 30
• Rocket balloon
• Pneumatic Monsters Art Kit:
• 30 Creature Design Sheets with Name Cards
• 30 Boolmarks
• 30 Mini-Beast (Monster) Profile Cards
• Teaching notes

The children create a toy which can be opened using air moving out of an inflated balloon.

Extra balloon pumps can be order by clicking this link.

Teaching notes included

This creative activity can also be used to investigate camouflage as an adaptation and why it helps organisms to survive. The activity can reinforce the usefulness of being able to ‘hide’ in an environment in a fun way – and which child doesn’t like playing hide-and-seek?!

Engage your children in an exciting hands-on activity by introducing them to a simple pneumatic toy project. This delightful creation, powered by the inflation of a balloon, offers an excellent opportunity for students to explore basic principles of air pressure while unleashing their creativity.

In this project, children construct a charming creepy crawly toy with a unique twist—the toy’s mouth is animated by the inflation of a balloon. This dynamic feature adds an element of surprise and fosters curiosity among students. Not only does it serve as an entertaining toy, but it also provides an interactive platform for learning about pneumatic systems.

Encourage students to personalise their creepy crawlies by decorating them with vibrant colours and patterns. This creative aspect opens the door to discussions about camouflage in the animal kingdom, making the project an interdisciplinary learning experience.

Through this hands-on activity, students will not only grasp the fundamentals of pneumatic systems but also gain insight into the fascinating world of adaptation and survival strategies. This project not only enhances their understanding of science and engineering but also cultivates artistic expression and critical thinking skills.

Note: The balloon can be inflated by the children directly blowing down the tube or with the aid of a balloon pump.

The Mini-Beast Art Kit will allow your children  to:

 Activity 1: Creature Design Sheet

 Objective: Children will sketch and decorate their own creepy crawly creature.
 Focus: Shape, colour, pattern, camouflage techniques, body structure (legs, wings, antennae).
 Top Tip: Encourage them to think about how their creature hides in its habitat—leaf patterns? Muddy textures? Bark-like colours?

 Add-on: Give their creature a name and write one “super power” or adaptation that helps it survive.

 Activity 2: Creature Fact Bookmark

 Objective: Children will choose a real-life insect, bug, or small animal that inspired their pneumatic toy and create an information bookmark.
 Focus: Name, habitat, adaptations, diet, and a fun fact.

 Challenge: Can they link their design to something real? (e.g., “My creepy crawly is based on the stick insect—it’s almost invisible in the woods!”)

 Activity 3: Monster Profile Card

 Objective: Create a “Meet My Monster” profile card.
 Focus: Drawing of the final creature, a short story, character traits, habitat description, and what makes it unique.

 Optional Prompt:

• My monster’s name is…
• It lives in…
• It eats…
• It hides by…
• When it feels threatened, it…

 Extension Idea: Use the envelope to create a habitat pocket! Decorate it and tuck the creature design or profile inside.

Bonus Idea: Display Wall

Create a class gallery of monsters! Use string and pegs or a wall board to hang:

• The Monster Profile Cards
• The Bookmarks
• Photos of the finished pneumatic creations

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.

Plus 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 Mini-Beast Kit x 4
7. Creative Circuits
8. The Magical Wandarama
9. Gone Fishing
10. The Jitter Bug

Each of the above activities can be turned into a workshop programme! 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 PNEUMATIC MINI-BEAST ACTIVITY CLASSROOM KIT (30) 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.

Already enjoyed The Science of Dragons Experience and need more kits so everyone can take part?
These extra kits contain everything you need for hands-on activities for up to 30 pupils – just £60 each (that’s only £2 per additional child!).

Perfect for:

• Teachers who want to include extra classes

• Festival organisers catering for larger groups

• Corporate partners supporting more schools

Need the full experience?
If you haven’t yet purchased The Science of Dragons Experience, you’ll need the complete package first.
Click here to order the full Science of Dragons Experience

What’s Included in Each Extra Kit

All the experiment materials, instruction packs, and dragon-themed artwork needed for a magical, curriculum-linked STEM experience:

Please remember: This product does not include access to the video of the Science of Dragons Show or the Teacher Training Video access. It is intended as an add-on for customers who already have access to The Science of Dragons Experience.

How to Order

UK Orders

• Order online via the link on this page.

• Or email scientificsue@science2life.com to request an invoice.

• Schools or companies using a Purchase Order: simply send your PO number and billing details, and we’ll arrange the paperwork for you.

Ireland & European Orders
Although Science2Life is based in Northern Ireland, courier services class all deliveries to the Republic of Ireland as international shipments.
For orders to Ireland (and other European destinations), postage is considerably higher than UK mainland rates. Please email us for a personalised shipping quote before placing your order.

Need more than one kit?

• Extra kits, each with materials for up to 30 pupils, are available for £60 – just £2 per additional child. Perfect for whole-school participation!

• Bulk Discount: Order 5 kits or more and receive a special discounted rate – ideal for multi-class, multi-school, or sponsor-funded projects.

To arrange your order, request a quote, or discuss bulk pricing, email: scientificsue@science2life.com

Corporate Sponsorship & Community Impact

Looking to make a meaningful difference in your local community?

Our Science of Dragons Virtual Experience is a powerful STEAM engagement opportunity for companies who want to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

With your support, schools in your area can access this immersive, curriculum-linked science experience – complete with classroom kits, teacher guidance, and hands-on experiments that leave a lasting impression.

You can:

• Sponsor a single school or multiple schools in your area

• Add your branding to a thank-you message in the video

• Receive feedback and photos from the classes you support

Contact Sue to discuss bespoke packages and bulk order discounts for schools in your community.

The post EXTRA KITS – The Science of Dragons Experience appeared first on Science2Life.

Fizz! Pop! Fly!

Prepare for liftoff! The Bug Blast Launch Lab combines hands-on science with out-of-this-world fun as children launch their bugstronauts sky-high using fizz-powered rocket tubes.

Each kit includes:

• 10 reusable fizz rocket tubes
• 10 bug toppers
  

  A young scientist launches the Pop–Fizz–Fly bug rocket — learning that science really is a blast with Scientific Sue!

• Vitamin C tablets (enough for 2 per child)
• Mission Control Launch Guide
• Bug Blast Mission Log

Big fun, big learning, and big wow factor!

You’ll Also Need:

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

Curriculum Links:

• KS2/3 Science: Forces and Motion
• KS2/3 Science: Reversible and Irreversible Changes
• Working Scientifically: Planning, Measuring, and Recording

Bugstronaut Launch Instructions

Pop – Fizz – Fly! Get Ready for Launch

Peel off the sticky backing from your Bugstronaut’s feet and stick them firmly onto the outside of the rocket lid.
Make sure your Bugstronaut is safely attached and ready for the ride!

Add the Water

Pour one tablespoon (15 ml) of water into your rocket tube.
This is your starting volume — you can experiment later to see how the amount of water affects your launch time and flight height.

Pop in the Tablet

Drop in one vitamin C tablet — this is your rocket’s fuel!
This is a starting amount — you can experiment later to see how changing the amount of tablet affects the height and time to lift-off.

Fizz!

The tablet fizzes in the water, producing carbon dioxide gas (CO₂).
As the gas builds up, it increases pressure inside the closed tube.

Fly!

Quickly push the lid on tightly, keeping it pointed away from your face.
Place your rocket upright and step back (or hold it out at arm’s length).

Now wait for lift-off!
You won’t see the pressure building — but it’s happening inside the tube!

The time it takes for your Bugstronaut to blast off depends on:
1⃣ How much carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) is being produced, and
2⃣ How firmly you pushed the lid on.

When the pressure becomes too great… POP!
The lid flies off at speed, and your Bugstronaut blasts into the sky!

Did You Know?

Gas pushes outwards in all directions inside your rocket tube.

As the fizzing tablet reacts with the water, it produces carbon dioxide gas. The tube already contains air, so the carbon dioxide molecules mix with the air molecules inside the tube.

Because there are now more gas molecules moving around in the same fixed space, they collide with the sides and lid more often. These collisions increase the pressure inside the tube.

When the force pushing upward on the lid becomes greater than the friction holding it down, the lid pops off and launches your Bugstronaut!

Why Schools Love It

• Reusable & cost-effective → once you have the kit, it can travel class to class
• Perfect for STEM lessons, science clubs, and school events
• Includes full safety guidance and curriculum-linked science notes

Why Parties & Festivals Love It

• Make-and-take activity → each child decorates their rocket tube, launches their bugstronaut, and takes their kit home
• Brilliant for birthday parties, holiday clubs, and science festivals
• Exciting group launches

Bug Blast Launch Lab

Can you get the bug home?

Mission Briefing

Your bugstronaut is about to embark on a daring space mission — but first, we need to fuel the rocket! Add water and a fizz tablet to your rocket tube, snap the bug-topped lid into place… and wait.

Nothing seems to be happening at first, but inside the sealed tube, something incredible is going on. The tablet is fizzing away, releasing an invisible gas called carbon dioxide. As the gas builds up, the pressure rises higher… and higher… and HIGHER…

Suddenly — POP! WHOOSH! Your bug blasts skyward, ready to return home to its planet! Can you aim carefully enough to land your bug safely in its home planet bucket?

What’s Happening Inside the Tube?

The fizzing tablet contains citric acid and sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate). When they mix with water, they react to make carbon dioxide gas. The gas has nowhere to escape, so it builds up inside the sealed rocket tube. When the pressure becomes too much, it forces the lid off — and your bugstronaut launches into orbit!

This thrilling moment is a perfect way to explore:

• Chemical reactions (acids + bases → gas)
• Gas pressure (invisible forces at work)
• Rocket science (Newton’s Third Law: for every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction)

Bug Blast Launch Lab — Mission Safety Checklist

Protect Your Eyes

• Wear safety glasses if you have them.
• No glasses? Swimming goggles, sunglasses, or other protective eyewear are perfect alternatives.
• If you already wear glasses, keep them on — they’ll help shield your eyes.

Keep Hands Dry

• Dry hands only!
• Wet fingers can make the tablet start fizzing before you’re ready.

Safe Launch Zone

• Choose a big open space — a school hall, playground, or outdoors is best.
• Mark a safety line and make sure everyone stands behind it.
• Always point your rocket away from people, pets, walls, and windows.

Rocket Holding & Aiming Rules

• Hold your rocket firmly and vertically for the first launch — this gives the most dramatic lift-off!
• For subsequent launches, you can experiment with different angles:
  

  Which angles gives maximum range?

  • Around 45° usually gives the longest range.

• Never hold the rocket horizontally! As soon as the lid flies off, the water and tablet will shoot out too, creating a mess and a safety risk.

Special Advice for Indoor Launches

• Always test first: An adult should try one launch to check how high the lid flies.
• If the ceiling is too low for a vertical launch, all launches must be done at an angle — provided the room is long enough for safe distances.
• Make sure rockets are aimed away from people, furniture, lights, and windows.

The Waiting Game

• After adding water and snapping on the lid, hold steady — the fizzing reaction has started!
• You won’t see the gas building up, but that’s part of the suspense…
• Then suddenly: POP! WHOOSH! Your bugstronaut blasts away!

After the Launch

• Collect all lids and bugs after each blast-off — no bugstronauts left behind!
• Wipe up any spills to keep the launch zone safe and dry.
• At the end, wash your hands.

Bugstronaut Craft Zone

Before your mission begins, it’s time to design your rocket!

Decorate your tube to turn it into your very own Bugstronaut Space Shuttle:

Option 1 – Sticker Design
Use stickers to decorate directly on the tube — add stars, planets, or your Bugstronaut’s name!

Option 2 – Paper Wrap Design

1. Draw your rocket design on a piece of paper.
2. Add patterns, colours, and space symbols.
3. Wrap it around your tube and glue or tape it in place.

Science Tip:
Real rockets are decorated too! Engineers and astronauts add symbols, flags, and mission patches to show teamwork and identity.

Challenge:
Can you give your Bugstronaut rocket a mission name and logo?
Write it below or on your paper design!

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

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Light-up Sound Making Wizards Wand

• 1 Electronic Wizard Wand

An electronic wand which lights up and plays a magical sound when the button is pressed. Perfect for all wizards and witches.

It makes a lovely magic sound and the LED light shines when the side button is pressed.

This is a perfect gift for a birthday, Hallowe’en and Christmas.

The post THE WIZARD MAGIC WAND WITH LIGHT AND SOUND appeared first on Science2Life.

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!

The post MAGICAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING SHOW: VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE appeared first on Science2Life.