A practical investigative science programme where pupils use observation, hands-on experiments, problem-solving and scientific reasoning to investigate questions and solve real-world science mysteries.
Investigate. Test. Solve.
The programme follows a structured learning journey. Sessions 1 and 2 are foundation sessions and do not include hands-on experiments. From Session 3 onward, practical investigations and applied challenges are introduced where appropriate.
Learning focus: Observation versus assumption, scientific questions, evidence, variables and recording findings.
Practical / learning activity: Foundation session — discussion, observation and case-based activities only; no hands-on experiment.
Learning focus: Patterns, measurement, fair testing, reliability and scientific deduction.
Practical / learning activity: Foundation session — visual examples and mystery case studies only; no hands-on experiment.
Learning focus: Compare hardness, flexibility, absorbency, transparency and texture.
Practical / learning activity: Compare material properties through structured testing.
Learning focus: Density, buoyancy, prediction and comparative testing.
Practical / learning activity: Predict and test which selected objects float or sink.
Learning focus: Fair testing, measurement and material comparison.
Practical / learning activity: Compare absorbency of cloth, paper towel, sponge and other materials.
Learning focus: Pigments, colour mixing and separating colours.
Practical / learning activity: Colour-mixing and marker-ink comparison.
Learning focus: How mixtures of pigments can be separated and compared.
Practical / learning activity: Paper chromatography to identify a mystery ink.
Learning focus: Reflection, shadows, transparency and light behaviour.
Practical / learning activity: Test transparent, translucent and opaque materials; reflection challenge.
Learning focus: Careful observation, patterns and indirect evidence.
Practical / learning activity: Reveal and compare hidden/obscured patterns using light and magnification.
Learning focus: Length, mass, time, temperature and measurement accuracy.
Practical / learning activity: Measurement relay with repeated measurements and comparison of results.
Learning focus: Observable properties and safe comparison of selected substances.
Practical / learning activity: Compare selected samples by appearance, solubility and behaviour in water.
Learning focus: Combine observations, measurements and test results to solve a realistic scientific problem.
Practical / learning activity: Multi-station mystery requiring pupils to compare evidence, identify patterns and justify a conclusion.
Learning focus: Apply scientific inquiry, experimentation, data analysis and critical thinking to a complete investigation.
Practical / learning activity: Solve a final linked-clue case and present the evidence behind the conclusion.
Learning focus: Pushes, pulls, gravity, movement and direction.
Practical / learning activity: Roll a marble or toy car over different surfaces and compare travel distance.
Learning focus: Surface texture, friction and fair testing.
Practical / learning activity: Ramp test using surfaces with different textures.
Learning focus: Vibration, pitch, volume and sound transmission.
Practical / learning activity: Elastic-band sound box and string-cup telephone investigations.
Learning focus: Heat transfer, cooling and insulation.
Practical / learning activity: Compare the insulating performance of different materials.
Learning focus: Mixtures, dissolving, filtration and separation.
Practical / learning activity: Separate a simple mixture using settling, sieving and filtering.
Learning focus: Physical and chemical change and evidence of reaction.
Practical / learning activity: Observe a small bicarbonate-and-vinegar reaction.
Learning focus: Repeated measurement, data and prediction.
Practical / learning activity: Pendulum investigation changing string length.
Learning focus: Classification, adaptation and biological observation.
Practical / learning activity: Classify leaves, seeds, shells or picture specimens using observable features.
Learning focus: Soil texture, drainage, particle size and water retention.
Practical / learning activity: Compare soil samples for texture, drainage and water retention.
Learning focus: Use scientific evidence to explain an environmental scenario.
Practical / learning activity: Model sediment/pollution movement and test filtration choices.
Learning focus: Hypothesis, independent/dependent variables, controls and method.
Practical / learning activity: Plan a fair test using techniques developed during earlier investigations.
Learning focus: Reliable data collection, repetition and analysis.
Practical / learning activity: Carry out the pupil-designed investigation and record results.
Learning focus: Integrate observation, experimentation, analytical thinking and scientific explanation.
Practical / learning activity: Solve a multi-stage science mystery using evidence from materials, forces, colour and mixtures.
One registration for the complete programme year.
Choose full yearFamilies will be able to follow what has been covered, open selected notes and resources, access further activities and see programme progress from phone, tablet or computer.
Ready to secure a place in Science Detectives?