Primary science does not need to be complicated.

Some of the best investigations use simple equipment, clear questions and ideas that children can genuinely explore for themselves.

The key is not just carrying out an activity.

It is giving pupils the chance to:

• Make predictions

• Observe carefully

• Measure and record

• Compare results

• Explain what they discovered

Here are eight simple science investigations for primary schools, covering a range of ages and curriculum areas.

1. Which Material Keeps Teddy Dry?

Best for: KS1

Give children a toy teddy and challenge them to keep it dry in the rain.

Provide different materials such as:

• Paper

• Foil

• Fabric

• Plastic

• Card

Children can predict which material will work best before testing each one with a small amount of water.

This is a brilliant introduction to comparing materials and thinking about their properties.

Science focus: Materials and waterproofing

2. What Do Plants Need to Grow?

Best for: KS1

Place similar plants or seedlings in different conditions.

For example:

• One with light and water

• One with water but no light

• One with light but no water

Children can observe the plants over time and record any changes.

This investigation encourages careful observation and helps pupils understand what plants need to stay healthy.

Science focus: Plants and observation over time

3. Which Rock Is the Hardest?

Best for: Lower KS2

Give children a selection of rocks and ask them to compare their hardness.

They could carry out simple scratch tests using the same object on each rock.

The important part is keeping the test fair.

Children can then rank the rocks and discuss whether appearance gives any clues about hardness.

Science focus: Rocks and fair testing

4. Which Magnet Is the Strongest?

Best for: Lower KS2

Provide several different magnets and a collection of paper clips.

Ask children to investigate which magnet can lift the greatest number.

They could repeat the test and compare results.

This is a simple investigation, but it gives children plenty to think about.

Does size matter?

Does shape matter?

Do all magnets behave in the same way?

Science focus: Forces and magnets

5. Which Materials Conduct Electricity?

Best for: Lower KS2

Build a simple circuit with a gap.

Children can place different materials into the gap to test whether electricity can travel through them.

Try materials such as:

• Metal

• Plastic

• Wood

• Rubber

• Foil

Children can predict first, then sort the materials into conductors and insulators.

Science focus: Electricity and materials

6. How Does Sound Change with Distance?

Best for: Lower KS2

Create a sound using the same object each time.

Children can stand at different distances and record how easy the sound is to hear.

Older pupils could measure the distance carefully and create a table of results.

This investigation is a useful way to explore how sound becomes quieter as the listener moves further away.

Science focus: Sound and measurement

7. How Do Shadows Change Through the Day?

Best for: Upper KS2

Place an object outside and measure its shadow at different times during the day.

Children can record:

• Shadow length

• Shadow direction

• Time of day

At the end, they can look for patterns.

This investigation works particularly well because the results build gradually over time.

Science focus: Light and Earth’s movement

8. Which Beak Shape Is Best for Different Foods?

Best for: Upper KS2

Give children different tools to represent bird beaks.

For example:

• Tweezers

• Pegs

• Spoons

• Chopsticks

Then provide different foods or objects to collect.

Children can investigate which beak shape works best for different types of food.

The activity leads naturally into discussion about adaptation and survival.

Science focus: Evolution and adaptation

Keep the Science Simple

A successful investigation does not need expensive equipment or a dramatic reaction.

The best questions are often simple:

Which works best?

What changes?

What happens if...?

Can we spot a pattern?

Give children time to predict.

Let them test.

Allow them to get unexpected results.

Then ask them to explain what they think happened.

That is where the real science begins.

Looking for Ready-to-Use Science Investigations?

Inspire Science Education has created a growing collection of free primary science investigation resources covering KS1, Lower KS2 and Upper KS2.

https://www.inspirescienceeducation.co.uk

Each resource is designed to help teachers bring practical science into the classroom with clear questions, simple equipment and meaningful scientific thinking.

Explore the free resources and find your next investigation.

Bring learning to life with Inspire Science Education.