• 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     

The post BUG BLASTER LAUNCH LAB appeared first on Science2Life.

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 Creation

From chaos to calm – make your own mini ‘snow’storm then we wowed by static magic!

A fantastic demonstration which can be used to visualise the fact that like charges push against each other and opposite charges pull together.

It is also a fun and creativity demonstration that can be used to help explain how lightning is formed in clouds!

TRANSPARENT LATEX BALLOONS 10 PACK with a small bag of polystyrene beads

The charged balloon is rubbed on hair, causing the polystyrene beads inside to stick to the rubbed areas due to static electricity.

• Size: 30 cm (12 inches)
• 10 pack
• Transparent balloons
• Made from natural rubber latex
• Bag of polystyrene beads

STATIC ELECTRICITY DEMONSTRATION

Secrets for Success

• A balloon pump must be used to inflate the balloons as there is too much moisture in our breath. Water prevents the build-up of static charge.
• Don’t over inflate the balloon – you don’t want it to explode.
• Store your latex balloons away from sunlight, preferably in an opaque container. Sunlight and ozone combine to oxidise the surface of the balloon which then weakens the balloon.

Science in a Nutshell

When insulating materials – in this case the latex balloon and the polystyrene beads – rub against each other, they may become electrically charged. Electrons, which are negatively charged, are pulled from one material on to the other. The material that gains electrons becomes negatively charged. The material that loses electrons is left with an overall positive charge.

The rubber balloon loses its electrons to the polystyrene beads.

Scientific Sue holds a charged balloon to demonstrate static electric forces during an Intel science event for students.

Like charges repel each other – this is why the polystyrene beads spread out on the inside surface of the balloon.

Opposite charges attract – this is why the polystyrene beads stick to the surface of the balloon.

When the balloon is rubbed on hair, charges move from the hair to the balloon. The balloon and the hair then have opposite charges. When you slowly lift the balloon away from the hair the electric force of attraction is strong enough to lift the hair.

The size of this force decreases with distance so as you keep moving the balloon away from the hair the hair will eventually drop. However, when you then bring the balloon closer to the head the hair will then spring back up!

We also sell a wonderfully magical toy called a wandarama which uses electrostatic pushing forces to get tinsel shapes to fly about the room like magic! Want to find our more? Click on link.

The post STATIC ELECTRIC FORCE BALLOON DEMO 10 PACK appeared first on Science2Life.