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.
- Plus Plan
Parts of a Plant - Observation Flipbook
Draw and write to record observations of the parts of a plant with a printable plant flipbook.
- Plus Plan
Food Plant Growth Experiment (1-2)
Explore life cycles and how people grow plants as food sources with an engaging classroom Food Plant Growth Experiment.
- Free Plan
Observing Photosynthesis Experiment (F-2)
Investigate how oxygen is made with a hands on photosynthesis experiment.
- Plus Plan
Plant Journal Observation Worksheets
Observe and record information about plants with a printable plant journal worksheet.
- Plus Plan
Plant Words - Illustrated Word Wall
Discover the world of plant-related vocabulary with an illustrated plant word wall display.
- Plus Plan
Nature Walk Brochure Template
Have your students explore their natural surroundings with this nature walk brochure template.
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30 Fluttering Butterfly Facts for Kids to Get Students Excited in Science Class
These ready-to-use butterfly facts are perfect for getting a jump start on your next biology lesson or learn about Australian butterflies! Butterflies are great subjects for a variety of classroom lessons including pollination, healthy ecosystems and metamorphosis.
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50 Fun Facts About Trees to Share With Your Primary Students + Lesson Ideas
Explore fun facts about trees that kids love to inspire your students in maths, science and more. You'll also find ideas for lesson plans!
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25 Fun Science Fair Project Ideas for Teachers to Share With Their Students
Explore fun science fair project ideas to share with your students to engage their curiosity!