The Big Science Event gives pupils ownership of their science investigations and can really engage and motivate them. It enables them to see science as something genuinely creative and exploratory and this can help with effective teaching and learning how to work scientifically.

To enter the Big Science Event at school, pupils, of any year group, work in small teams on the science investigation of their choice – it can be as part of a school science week, science club, science lesson or even as a homework project. An investigation might involve any combination of surveys, fair test comparisons, research or data collection. There is a grand final at the end of the academic year and lots of great prizes too!

We provide support to schools and teachers running the event, including a twilight CPD session, resources to download and your frequently asked questions answered (see below).

Science Oxford has been running the Big Science Event since 2010 and are very lucky to have the support of some amazing sponsors – Diamond Light Source, Abbott and RM Resources – who enable us to reach thousands of primary-aged pupils in hundreds of primary schools across the region every year.

What do teachers say?

“The child-led investigations are great at engaging the children in science and it is always interesting to see what ideas they come up with!”
“The competition has really helped raise the prominence of science within the school and we were delighted to be invited to the Grand Final this year.”

Registration is free. Register by 31 January 2023.