Many of UCLan’s scientists and researchers have put together activities for you to try at home or in school. All suitable for ages 7 – 11 years old.
We always love to see your results so please email us or tag us in a picture @LancSciFest. Happy experimenting!
To access supporting documents, please click the text in yellow.
STEM Superheroes by Dr Sarita Robinson, Dr Matt Dickinson and Dr Barry W. Fitzgerald
As a parent, this report will enable you to learn how children’s love of superheroes can inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
AI, Triangles, and Googly Eyes by Dr Martin Bateman
This mini lecture demonstrates how to make your own googly eyes Snapchat filter using Scratch.
You will need access to a computer or tablet with a front facing camera for this activity.
Arm Exoskeletons by Dr Matt Dickinson
This mini lecture demonstrates what exoskeletons are and how they work, and shows that they can help people in everyday life by allowing them to move more easily.
Bendy Bodies and Super Skeletons by Dr Catherine Tennick
This mini lectures explains what bones are made of and how this makes them so strong, and shows you how to make a bone bend in half.
Brain Power: How to Learn by Julie Allen
This mini lecture explores the power of the human brain, the neuron pathways behind how we learn, and how all of us make memories and develop new skills.
Building Electrical Circuits by Electricity North West
In these activities, pupils learn how an electrical circuit works, how to construct simple electrical circuits (using a bulb, buzzer, and motor) and how to draw simple circuits using electrical symbols.
You will be directed to Electricity North West Website to access Lesson 2 which contains educator notes, pupil worksheets, supporting slides and videos explaining how an electrical circuit works and a simple circuit video.
Lesson 2: Building Electrical Circuits
How an Electrical Circuit Works
Simple Circuits
Conductors and Insulators by Electricity North West
In this activity, pupils learn about conductors and insulators.
You will be directed to Electricity North West Website to access Lesson 3 which contains educator notes, pupil worksheets and supporting slides.
Lesson 3: Conductors and Insulators
Dark Patterns: How Video Games and Websites Play Sneaky Tricks on You by John King
This mini lecture explains how video games and websites can use dark patterns to try and get us to spend our money – and also demonstrates how to avoid these pitfalls.
Electricity Safety and Sustainability by Electricity North West
In this activity, pupils identify a range of objects that use electricity (batteries and mains), then learn about staying safe around electrical objects and using electricity safely. They also look at why it’s important to save electricity, and ways to do so.
You will be directed to Electricity North West Website to access Lesson 1 which contains educator notes, pupil worksheets, supporting slides and a safety video.
Lesson 1: Teacher Notes and Activity Pack
How Secure is Your Door? by Sam Connolly
This mini lecture explores different kinds of locks, how they work, and what we can do to strengthen weaknesses and keep criminals out.
Teacher Notes Locks and Security
Activity Sheet Locks and Security
How Smart is AI? by Oliver Kerr
This mini lecture explores just how smart AI really is by evaluating computer-generated conversations, deep fakes, and more.
Into Our Skies: Space in Schools by Lucy Starkey
This mini lecture teaches you a fun dance that will help you remember the order of the planets in the solar system.
Nanophysics and Nanotechnology by Dr Karen Syres
This mini lecture explains what ‘nano’ means, introduces you to the tiny world of nanophysics, and shows how nanotechnology impacts our everyday lives.
Supercharge Your Passwords: How to Improve Your Passwords by Chris Finnigan
This mini lecture explains how to create a strong password and avoid common mistakes with passwords so that you can outsmart cyber criminals.
The activity for this mini lecture is an online quiz – see Teacher Notes for details.
Switches and Building Electrical Circuits by Electricity North West
In this activity, pupils explore switches and their effect, and how to build a switch. They are challenged to create an object which successfully uses a circuit. The lesson includes parallel and series circuits.
You will be directed to Electricity North West Website to access Lesson 4 which contains educator notes, pupil worksheets, supporting slides and videos explaining parallel circuits and series circuits.
Lesson 4: Switches and Building Electrical Circuits
Parallel Circuits
Series Circuits
Testing Properties of Materials, by Sika
This mini lecture shows how to test elasticity and make sure that it is a fair test. Further resources for Year 3 students (Investigating Surfaces) and Year 5 students (Friction) are available below.
Year 3
Sika Powerpoint Presentation_YR3
Year 5
Sika Powerpoint Presentation_YR5
The Uncanny Valley by Nicky Danino
This mini lecture defines and explores the concept of the Uncanny Valley, and investigates why we think some robots are cute and others are creepy.
Teacher Notes The Uncanny Valley
Activity Sheet The Uncanny Valley
The Science of Sleep by Dr Sarita Robinson
This mini lecture discusses why we sleep and why it’s so important for us to stay healthy. Are you a morning lark or a night owl?