Kalianna School is excited to celebrate National Science Week 2026 through a vibrant and inclusive week of STEM learning experiences designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and discovery. Throughout the week, students will participate in a range of hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities during recess and lunch breaks, culminating in a whole-school Science Fair celebration. The proposed activities will provide engaging opportunities for students of all ages and abilities to explore scientific concepts through practical investigation, experimentation and problem-solving.

This year's National Science Week theme, "Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All," provides a powerful opportunity to encourage students to see science as something that grows through curiosity, observation, experimentation and sharing knowledge with others. Just as a seed develops over time with the right conditions, scientific understanding grows when students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate ideas and learn from their discoveries. The proposed program has been designed to nurture these qualities by providing accessible, engaging and meaningful scientific experiences for every student.

As a specialist school, Kalianna School values hands-on learning experiences that enable all students to participate and experience success. The activities have been carefully selected to ensure accessibility and engagement while supporting the development of scientific thinking, inquiry skills, creativity and collaboration. Students will be encouraged to investigate, create, predict, test and reflect throughout the week while developing confidence as young scientists and innovators.

The week will begin with a Dinosaur Discovery Dig, transforming students into palaeontologists as they excavate hidden fossils and dinosaur remains from a specially designed dig site. Students will use investigative tools to uncover fossils, identify different dinosaur species, and discuss how scientists use evidence to learn about life from millions of years ago. This activity encourages observation, inquiry and critical thinking while introducing students to Earth and Environmental Science concepts. By examining clues left behind from the past, students will develop an appreciation for scientific investigation and the role evidence plays in building knowledge.

At the Bubble Science Station, students will explore the fascinating science behind bubbles through a series of interactive challenges. Students will experiment with different bubble wand designs, create giant bubbles and investigate why bubbles form spherical shapes. Through guided exploration, students will discover concepts such as surface tension, air pressure and the properties of liquids. The station will encourage students to make predictions, test ideas and observe outcomes while having fun in a highly engaging environment. The visual and sensory nature of the activity makes it particularly accessible for students with diverse learning needs.

Students will explore the world of electrical energy through the Circuits and Electricity Station. Using batteries, wires, bulbs, switches and motors, students will construct simple electrical circuits and investigate how electricity flows through different components. Students will learn about conductors and insulators while experimenting with different circuit designs. This hands-on engineering activity encourages perseverance, problem-solving and creativity as students work to successfully power lights, buzzers and other devices. The activity will help students develop an understanding of how electricity impacts everyday life while introducing foundational engineering concepts.

Technology and digital learning will be showcased through Ozobots and Coding Challenges. Students will explore how coding is used to communicate instructions to robots and solve problems. By creating colour-coded pathways and completing coding challenges, students will investigate sequencing, algorithms and computational thinking in an engaging and accessible way. Students will be encouraged to test, modify, and improve their coding solutions while developing resilience and critical-thinking skills. These activities provide valuable opportunities to engage with emerging technologies and develop confidence in digital literacy.

Chemistry will come alive through a series of exciting and visually engaging activities. During Chemistry Chaos, students will investigate a range of safe chemical reactions using baking soda and vinegar. Students will observe fizzing, bubbling and gas production while discussing what happens when substances interact. They will be encouraged to make predictions, record observations, and explain the changes they observe. These investigations provide an engaging introduction to chemical reactions and help students develop an understanding of how scientists observe and describe change.

One of the most anticipated activities will be the Elephant Toothpaste Demonstration. This exciting experiment produces a large, foamy reaction that immediately captures students' attention while providing opportunities to discuss catalysts, chemical reactions and scientific observation. Students will be encouraged to think like scientists by describing what they see, asking questions and discussing possible explanations for the reaction. Demonstrations such as this help to build enthusiasm for science and create memorable learning experiences that spark curiosity long after the activity is complete.

Students will further investigate chemistry and physics through Film Canister Rockets. Using a chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar, students will launch rockets into the air and explore concepts such as pressure, force, motion, and energy transfer. Students will experiment with different amounts of reactants and investigate how changing variables can influence rocket performance. This activity provides an excellent opportunity to introduce fair testing, data collection and scientific inquiry while encouraging students to engage in engineering design and problem-solving.

A key feature of the week will be Plant a Seed – Grow a Scientist, an activity directly linked to the National Science Week theme. Each student will plant a winter-friendly seed, such as a snow pea, broad bean, or radish, to take home and nurture. Students will learn about the needs of living things, plant life cycles, and the role plants play in supporting healthy ecosystems. They will be encouraged to observe and record changes over time, helping them understand how scientists collect information through careful observation and monitoring. This activity serves as both a literal and symbolic representation of the Science Week theme by demonstrating how growth occurs through patience, care and curiosity. Students will be able to continue their learning beyond Science Week by caring for their plants at home and sharing their observations with family members.

Students will also participate in Magnet Madness, where they will investigate the fascinating properties of magnets through hands-on exploration and challenges. Students will test different materials, discover which objects are magnetic and investigate magnetic attraction and repulsion. Through play-based learning and experimentation, students will develop an understanding of invisible forces and how they influence the world around us.

The ever-popular Mini Volcanoes activity will combine Earth Science and Chemistry in an exciting demonstration of volcanic eruptions. Students will construct and erupt miniature volcanoes while discussing the processes that shape our planet. The activity will provide engaging, memorable opportunities to explore geological processes, natural hazards, and chemical reactions.

As part of Kalianna School's involvement in the River Detectives Program, students will participate in environmental science investigations focused on water quality. Students will test water samples for turbidity, salinity, pH and temperature and compare results from different water sources. Through these activities, students will develop an understanding of environmental monitoring, scientific data collection and the importance of protecting local waterways. Students will be encouraged to think critically about human impacts on the environment and explore ways they can contribute to the health of local ecosystems. This activity provides authentic opportunities for students to engage in real-world science and environmental stewardship.

Students will also have the opportunity to revisit inventions, engineering projects and STEM creations developed throughout the year through a KBTV Creations Showcase. This showcase will celebrate student innovation, creativity and achievement while providing opportunities for students to explain their designs and share their learning with others. Students will have the chance to demonstrate how their projects work, discuss challenges they overcame and reflect on the design process. The showcase will encourage communication, collaboration and pride in learning while highlighting the diverse ways students engage with STEM.

The week will culminate in a Science Fair Finale, bringing together all activities into a school-wide celebration of science and discovery. Students will explore activity stations, participate in demonstrations, showcase projects and share their learning with peers, staff and the wider school community. The Science Fair will provide opportunities for students to celebrate their achievements and engage in a variety of scientific experiences. By bringing together students from across the school, the event will foster a sense of community, collaboration and shared curiosity.

The proposed program aims to increase student engagement in STEM learning by creating positive and memorable experiences that inspire curiosity and confidence. Through accessible, hands-on activities, students will develop scientific inquiry skills, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities while exploring concepts in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Engineering, and Technology. The program will provide opportunities for students to investigate authentic scientific questions, engage with emerging technologies and experience the excitement of discovery.

Science Week 2026 will provide students at Kalianna School with meaningful opportunities to engage with science in ways that are inclusive, memorable and inspiring. By nurturing curiosity, encouraging investigation and celebrating innovation, the program will help students develop a lifelong appreciation for science and its role in understanding and improving the world around us. Through the theme "Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All," students will be encouraged to plant the seeds of curiosity, grow their scientific knowledge and share their discoveries with others, creating a lasting impact that extends well beyond Science Week itself.