Research Detectives

Inspiring the Next Generation of Curious Thinkers

Can your pupils think like a scientist?

What if your pupils became Research Detectives for the day?

Through exciting hands-on investigations, children learn that research isn't something that only happens in laboratories - it's something they can do every day by asking questions, making predictions, gathering evidence and drawing conclusions.

Designed by researcher and educator Lucie Wheeler, this engaging STEM workshop introduces children to the world of scientific enquiry through practical challenges, collaborative problem solving and real-life investigations.

Whether they're discovering the best material for Teddy's raincoat, testing paper aeroplanes or investigating whether music really helps concentration, pupils learn one of the most valuable skills they can develop: how to make decisions based on evidence.

Why schools love this workshop

Research Detectives helps children to:

Develop scientific enquiry skills

Think critically and ask meaningful questions

Make predictions and test ideas

Collect, interpret and present evidence

Understand what makes research fair and reliable

Build confidence working collaboratively

Develop vocabulary linked to science and enquiry

Workshop Options

EYFS & KS1

Children become mini scientists through exciting investigations including:

• Which material makes the best raincoat for Teddy?
• Do different shaped bubble wands make different bubbles?
• Which paper aeroplane flies furthest?
• Which biscuit survives dunking the longest?

Children learn how to:

Ask questions
Make predictions
Observe carefully
Record simple results
Use evidence to explain their thinking

Lower KS2

Children begin exploring how researchers carry out fair investigations.

Activities may include:

Engineering the strongest paper bridge
Becoming Fair Test Detectives
Investigating which material keeps water warm longest
Designing and testing mini catapults

hildren explore concepts such as:

Variables
Hypotheses
Data collection
Fair testing
Drawing conclusions

Upper KS2

Older pupils investigate more complex research ideas and begin thinking like real researchers.

Activities may include:

Does exercise improve reaction time?
Can research be biased?
Does music improve concentration?
Which variables affect how far a paper aeroplane flies?

Pupils explore:

Reliability
Bias
Sampling
Independent and dependent variables
Evaluating evidence
Interpreting data

Every Workshop Includes

Fully planned and resourced activities
Hands-on investigations
Age-appropriate scientific vocabulary
Interactive discussions
Practical experiments
Opportunities for collaborative learning

Flexible Delivery

Half Day: Perfect for one year group or two classes.

Full Day: Ideal for multiple classes or a whole key stage.

Sessions can be adapted to suit your timetable and age group.

Ready to become Research Detectives?

Get in touch to discuss how this workshop can be tailored to your school, year group or enrichment week.

Because every great discovery starts with a question.