Inspiring Young Scientists: How to Celebrate World Science Day in Your School
- Popcorn Education
- Sep 28
- 5 min read
Every year on 10th November, schools across the globe celebrate World Science Day for Peace and Development. It’s a chance to highlight the role of science in daily life, show children the wonder of discovery, and explore how science can solve challenges facing our world. For teachers, it’s also a perfect moment to inject a sense of curiosity and excitement into the classroom.
In this blog, we’ll explore practical ways to mark World Science Day with your pupils. You’ll find simple classroom activities, whole-school ideas, and enrichment opportunities that are low-prep and high-impact. We’ll also share how Popcorn Education’s Science Gadget Shop can help you turn this special day into a memorable event that both inspires and raises funds for your school.
Why Celebrate World Science Day?
World Science Day is more than just another date in the calendar. It’s about showing children that science is not just textbooks and tests — it’s about exploration, problem-solving, and creativity. The theme changes each year, but the central focus is always on the power of science to improve lives and shape the future.
Celebrating the day helps to:
Raise awareness of global issues like climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability.
Engage children’s natural curiosity through hands-on experiences.
Show relevance by linking classroom learning to real-world applications.
Build community spirit with whole-school or family events.
Quick Classroom Activities for World Science Day
If you’re short on time, here are some simple activities you can run within a lesson.
1. Science Debate Pose a big question, such as “Should humans live on Mars?” or “Can science save the bees?” Split the class into groups and let them research, argue, and present their ideas. This builds critical thinking and communication skills.
2. Mystery Bag Investigation Fill bags with common materials (foil, magnets, elastic bands, plastic cups). Challenge pupils to work out properties or uses, linking them to topics like forces or materials.
3. The Great Egg Drop A classic challenge: can children design a structure to protect an egg from a fall? It sparks creativity and introduces ideas around forces, gravity, and materials science.
4. Science in the News Bring in a newspaper or online article about a recent discovery — from medical breakthroughs to space exploration. Discuss what it means for society and how scientists worked together to achieve it.
5. Mini Experiments Try short, low-prep demos: vinegar and baking soda “volcanoes,” water surface tension with pepper, or invisible ink with lemon juice. These can be linked to Year group curriculum objectives while still being fun.
Whole-School Ideas
If you’d like to make World Science Day a bigger event, consider these ideas that bring everyone together:
Science Fair Style Stalls Classes create simple displays or demos around a theme — forces, electricity, or space. Pupils rotate to visit different stalls, sharing learning with each other.
Science Assembly Kick off the day with a WOW experiment in assembly. Something visual like a giant bubble show, a whoosh bottle, or a Mentos-and-cola fountain always captures attention.
Science Trail Hide clues around the school linked to science facts or riddles. Pupils work in teams to solve them, encouraging collaboration and active learning.
Guest Speakers Invite a local scientist, engineer, or STEM ambassador to talk to pupils about their work. Hearing real-life stories shows children that science careers are within reach.
Linking World Science Day to Fundraising
One of the challenges for many schools is funding extra enrichment activities. That’s where creative fundraising linked to science can make a real difference. Instead of a cake sale or non-uniform day, why not try something science-themed?
This is exactly where the Science Gadget Shop comes in.
Spotlight: The Science Gadget Shop
The Science Gadget Shop is a ready-made fundraising and enrichment event developed by Popcorn Education. It’s a pop-up shop filled with affordable science toys, experiments, and gadgets — from slime kits and crystal growing sets to mini rockets and snap circuits.
Here’s why it works so well for World Science Day:
Curriculum-linked gadgets mean children are exploring the same topics they’re learning in class.
Hands-on excitement — pupils can buy a gadget to take home, extending learning beyond school.
Affordable prices (£1–£3) mean every child can get involved.
Fundraising built-in — schools typically raise between £300–£600 in one afternoon.
Zero hassle — everything arrives in one box: stock, posters, tally sheets, and even a float if needed. Unsold items are returned at no cost.
Many schools run the shop straight after classes in the hall, or during parents’ evening, when families are already on site. It’s quick to set up, creates a real “buzz,” and is remembered by children long after the day.
How Teachers Can Use the Gadget Shop
Teachers often ask: “How does this fit into teaching and learning?” Here are some easy ways:
Use the shop as the culminating event after a science topic. For example, after studying “Forces,” let children explore rocket or glider gadgets.
Link it to writing opportunities: have pupils write persuasive adverts for gadgets, instruction leaflets, or reviews afterwards.
Use profits to buy extra science resources, fund a trip to a science centre, or restock consumables for classroom experiments.
Involve the school council or PTA to run the stall — it becomes a whole-school project with leadership and responsibility opportunities.
Making It Happen in Your School
If you’d like to run a Science Gadget Shop this World Science Day, here are the steps:
Pick a date around 10th November. After-school slots or parents’ evenings work best.
Choose your kit size depending on your school (Mini, Maxi, or Supernova).
Promote the event using the free posters and newsletter templates provided.
Set up the stall — lay out the gadgets on tables grouped by theme.
Enjoy the buzz as children and families explore science together.
Count up your profits and celebrate the funds raised for your school.
It really is that simple.
Final Thoughts
World Science Day is a fantastic opportunity to remind pupils that science is everywhere — in the food we eat, the devices we use, and the challenges we face as a society. By mixing curriculum-linked activities with a hands-on event like the Science Gadget Shop, you can create a day that children remember and talk about for months afterwards.
So why not try something new this year? Celebrate World Science Day with experiments, debates, assemblies, and a buzzing Science Gadget Shop. You’ll not only raise valuable funds, but more importantly, you’ll help inspire the next generation of curious, creative scientists.
📅 World Science Day is on Monday 10th November 2025. Don’t miss the chance to make it special at your school.
