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:
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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:
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Ask questions
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Make predictions
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Observe carefully
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Record simple results
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Use evidence to explain their thinking
Lower KS2
Children begin exploring how researchers carry out fair investigations.
Activities may include:
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Engineering the strongest paper bridge
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Becoming Fair Test Detectives
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Investigating which material keeps water warm longest
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Designing and testing mini catapults
hildren explore concepts such as:
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Variables
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Hypotheses
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Data collection
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Fair testing
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Drawing conclusions
Upper KS2
Older pupils investigate more complex research ideas and begin thinking like real researchers.
Activities may include:
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Does exercise improve reaction time?
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Can research be biased?
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Does music improve concentration?
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Which variables affect how far a paper aeroplane flies?
Pupils explore:
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Reliability
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Bias
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Sampling
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Independent and dependent variables
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Evaluating evidence
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Interpreting data
Every Workshop Includes
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Fully planned and resourced activities
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Hands-on investigations
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Age-appropriate scientific vocabulary
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Interactive discussions
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Practical experiments
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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.
