National Science Week 2026 Teaching Resources
Get ready for National Science Week 2026 with science worksheets, printable activities and more fun and engaging science ideas for the primary school classroom.
This collection of curriculum-aligned teaching resources comes from the teacher team at Teach Starter and has been reviewed by our expert teachers to ensure each activity, worksheet, and game is ready for your classroom.
If you are looking for some fun science week activities to go with the 2026 National Science Week theme or just a general (fun) science activity, read on for ideas from the teachers of Teach Starter!
What Is National Science Week?
National Science Week is celebrated every year in Australia all across the nation. Organised by the Australian government's Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, it typically inspires more than 1000 events across the nation, including many in primary schools. This is a perfect week to come together as a school community and celebrate all things science and technology!
The week-long event in August is a good time for your students to learn about the latest scientific research and discoveries and to engage with scientists and other experts in the classroom or on an excursion. Focus on the year's theme, or celebrate your own way with curriculum-aligned science lessons that cover the unit you're already working through.
With the activities and lessons teachers like you do in the primary classroom, National Science Week can inspire the next generation of scientists and promote the understanding and importance of science in shaping our future. Talk about teachers having an impact!
When Is National Science Week 2026?
Since it began in 1997, this science-themed event has occurred every August. In 2026, the National Science Week dates are from 15 to 23 August.
That means students will have an entire week to join in on one of the largest science events in the country!
What Is the National Science Week Theme for 2026?
The theme for this event changes every year, opening up new opportunities to get students excited and inspire your classroom activities.
In 2026, the theme will be 'Seeds of science: Nurturing knowledge for all.' This theme focuses on cultivating curiosity, growing understanding, and empowering learners through hands-on, inclusive experiences across all STEM fields, encouraging the sharing of ideas and innovative solutions
Past Science Week Themes to Inspire Your Celebrations
Some of the past themes for National Science Week have also had an eye on the future of science and may give you ideas for your week of classroom activities! Here are just a few of the past themes from more than 25 years of celebrating science:
- Innovation: Powering Different Industries
- Glass: More Than Meets the Eye
- Food: Different by Design
- Deep Blue: Innovations for the Future of Our Oceans
- Destination Moon: More Missions, More Science
- Game Changers and Change Makers
- Future Earth
- Drones, Droids and Robots
- Making Waves: The Science of Light
- Food for our Future: Science Feeding the World
- A Century of Australian Science
- Science Around the World
- The Chemistry of Life
- Celebrating Our Solar System
National Science Week 2026 Activities
Wondering what you can do in the classroom to celebrate National Science Week? Here are some ideas:
- Explore Seed Structure and Growth Through Hands-On Science. Give students a variety of seeds (beans, sunflower, pumpkin) and let them dissect them to observe parts like the seed coat, embryo, and food store. Discuss how these structures help plants grow and relate this to biology and cycles.
- Measure Growth and Collect Data. Plant seeds in small pots and have students measure growth over time. Record height, leaf count and other observations. Use this data to create graphs and charts, introducing concepts of data analysis and mathematical patterns in nature.
- Investigate Germination Conditions. Set up experiments where seeds are grown under different conditions (light vs. dark, varying water levels, temperature differences). Discuss how environmental factors affect growth and connect this to sustainability and agricultural science.
- Design a Seed Dispersal Solution. Challenge students to design a creative way to disperse seeds (like wind, water or animal-inspired methods). This introduces engineering principles and encourages innovation while connecting to ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Explore Cultural Connections to Seeds. Research how different cultures use seeds in food, medicine and traditions. Students can present findings, fostering inclusivity and showing the social and economic importance of plants.
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Plant Life Cycle Sorting Activity
Help your students identify the stages in a plant’s life cycle with a sorting activity..
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Day and Night Booklet
Learn about the differences between night and day with this printable Day and Night Booklet.
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Build a Pizza Box Pizza Oven - Solar Energy STEM Project
Build a pizza box solar oven to demonstrate the power of thermal energy with an exciting Solar Oven Stem Project
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Growing Bean Plant Seeds — Greenhouse Template
Start growing bean plant seeds to observe plant life cycles with a printable greenhouse template and observation journal.
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Severe Weather STEM - Build a Storm Shelter Project
Design a storm shelter to protect against wind and rain with a hands-on Weather Stem Challenge.
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Season Characteristics Task Cards
Give your students the clues and watch them select the mystery season with this set of 24 task cards.
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Oil Spill Science Experiment for Water Pollution
Investigate a man-made natural disaster and discover the effects of oil spills on wildlife with an oil spill science experiment.
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Tornado in a Jar Experiment
Create a Tornado in a Jar with an interactive science experiment slide deck and Tornado in a Jar Experiment Worksheet.
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Outdoor STEM Activities Resource Pack
Take your STEM lessons outside with our printable Outdoor STEM Activities Resource Pack.
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Environmental Impact Science Experiments
Use these simple science experiments to teach your students about environmental issues such as oil and water pollution, soil quality and climate change.
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Seasons, Weather and Our Choices Worksheets
Hand out these eight great seasons worksheets to help your students learn all about the seasonal changes and the way they affect our everyday choices.
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Water Cycle Worksheet Pack
Discover everything there is to know and learn about the water cycle with this collection of worksheets suitable for primary school students.
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Phases of the Moon Worksheet for Year 2
Challenge year 2 students to label the phases of the moon as they appear in the southern hemisphere with this printable science worksheet.
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Removing Heat – Ice Cream in a Bag Experiment
Make Ice Cream in a Bag and discover how removing heat causes matter to change states.
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Busy Bees Pollinator Activity - Hands-On Science
Discover the pollination process with a printable Pollinator Activity using cheese puffs and paper flowers.
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Science Lab Dramatic Play Kit
Create a dramatic play centre with this science lab decor kit.
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Four Seasons Mini Book
Make learning about the four seasons fun with this marvellous minibook for your Foundation students!
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Water Cycle Mobile Writing Template
Explore the water cycle with this fun water cycle mobile craft template.
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Water Cycle Poster Set
Display this set of simple, vibrant water cycle posters when learning about each water cycle step.
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Seasons of the Year Sorting Activity
Year 1 students can identify proper clothing, activities and objects for different types of weather with this four seasons activity.
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Patterns in Nature - Science Sorting Activity
Explore and observe patterns in nature with a printable Patterns In Nature Sorting Activity.
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Nature Walk Brochure Template
Have your students explore their natural surroundings with this nature walk brochure template.
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Scientists and What They Do Worksheet Pack
Help your students learn what a scientist is and what scientists do with a set of printable science worksheets for early learners.
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Science Experiment - How Does Soil Affect Seed Growth?
Explore the effect of soil type on growth and change of a seedling with a hands-on science experiment.
- National Science Week 2026 Worksheets
- National Science Week 2026 Projects
- National Science Week 2026 for Foundation Year
- National Science Week 2026 for Year 1
- National Science Week 2026 for Year 2
- National Science Week 2026 for Year 3
- National Science Week 2026 for Year 4
- National Science Week 2026 for Year 5
- National Science Week 2026 for Year 6