We celebrated British Science Week with a host of fun experiments, activities and learning. This year’s theme is ‘growth’ so we explored ways to learn about engineering, biology, maths, and physics in a fun and accessible way.

The majority of the materials used to make the experiments can be found around the home or were recycled plastic bottles, cardboard boxes or glass jars.

Great for a rainy day project this Easter, download our easy-read tutorials and get stuck into some cool science activities at home.

Volcanoes and Explosions!

We created our own erupting volcanoes from papier mâché using the magic of combining vinegar with baking soda. The two ingredients react to neutralise each other because vinegar is an acid and baking soda is an alkali, releasing carbon dioxide bubbles of gas. This creates the cool effect of lava erupting out.  

Download our accessible step-by-step guide to make your own fun creation.   

Make Your Own Volcano

Mentos and Coke Fountain

Another exciting chemical reaction we learnt about was what happens when you drop a mentos sweet into a bottle of fizzy pop. This was an experiment for outside so we assembled in the car park to set up in a space away from the cars to find out.

Create your own mentos and coke fountain by downloading our easy-read tutorial and discover the science behind the carbon dioxide reaction.

Please read all the safety instructions carefully before starting your experiment, wear googles (if possible) and make sure you stand well back when reaction is in full force. 

Make A Mentos & Coke Fountain

Ecosystems

A terrarium is a miniature garden contained within a glass container or jar and sealed to make its own tiny ecosystem. Our Activity team love plants so couldn't wait to put all our recycled mason jars to good use by showing our members how to make their own personalised mini plant terrariums. 

You can make one too by downloading our step-by-step tutorial detailing how to prepare the terrarium and care for your chosen plants or cacti afterwards. Enjoy!

Make Your Own Terrarium

Science Activities & Resources

We also have a fun variety of further science themed resources created by us and other organisation's for you to try at home.

Plus check out our tips on cool places in Yorkshire to visit so you can continue your science adventure - from the Leeds Discovery Centre, Maths City and Magna Science Centre. 

• The Human Body
• Bouncy Eggs by Science Sparks
• Optical Illusion by Science Sparks
• Volcano - Colour By Number
• Volcano Colouring Pages
• Volcano Guide Live - BBC 
• Volcano Structure colouring

Places To Visit Guide

Our Science Week experiments and activities were designed to be fun and accessible for all abilities. However, if you have any questions or would like advice, please drop us an email to [email protected] and we will be happy to help. 

We hope you enjoyed our activities and we hope it sparks the imaginations of people and their exciting journey into wonders of science.