You Don’t Need to Be a Scientist to Love Science - Inclusive Science Activities

Confidence, Curiosity and Inclusive Science Activities for Every Child

For many adults — and children — the word science can bring a quiet sense of worry. Complex words. Right and wrong answers. Fear of getting it wrong.

But here’s the truth:

You don’t need to be a scientist to love science. And children don’t need confidence before they start — confidence grows because they start.

Especially during British Science Week, science should feel welcoming, playful and accessible to everyone.

Removing the fear around science

Science becomes intimidating when it feels:

• Too technical

• Too focused on correct answers

• Too disconnected from real life

But real science doesn’t begin with facts.It begins with questions.

• What happens if…?

• Why did that change?

• What do you notice?

When we remove the pressure to “get it right”, science turns into something children want to explore.

And that matters most for the children who already believe:

“I’m just not good at science.”

Science is play, tinkering and curiosity

At its heart, science looks a lot like play.

• Mixing

• Building

• Testing

• Taking things apart

• Trying again

Think about how children naturally explore:

• Filling and emptying

• Watching things fall

• Noticing patterns

• Asking endless questions

That is science.

When activities feel playful and hands-on:

• Children engage for longer

• Anxiety drops

• Curiosity leads learning

This approach benefits all children — not just the confident ones.

Supporting children who “don’t like science”

When a child says they don’t like science, it’s rarely about science itself.

It’s usually about:

• Feeling behind

• Struggling with reading or writing

• Sensory overload

• Fear of failure

So the solution isn’t harder work — it’s different entry points.

Some simple shifts:

• Let children show understanding instead of writing it

• Value observations over explanations

• Allow exploration before discussion

• Celebrate effort, not outcomes

A child who struggles with worksheets may thrive when:

• Handling objects

• Talking through ideas

• Working with a partner

• Leading a practical task

Science becomes inclusive when success looks different for everyone.

SEND-friendly science ideas that really work

Inclusive science doesn’t require specialist equipment — just thoughtful design.

Here are SEND-friendly approaches schools and families love:

• Clear, visual instructions

• Short, flexible activities

• Hands-on resources children can manipulate

• Opportunities to explore without time pressure

• Sensory-aware setups (quiet spaces, predictable routines)

Most importantly, inclusive science:

• Encourages curiosity without judgement

• Allows children to engage at their own pace

• Focuses on experience, not performance

When science feels safe, children take risks — and that’s where learning happens.

Confidence comes from experience, not expertise

British Science Week is a powerful reminder that:

• Science belongs to everyone

• Curiosity matters more than knowledge

• Small moments can shift how children see themselves

• Science is about inclusive science activities

When adults model curiosity instead of expertise, children learn that it’s okay not to know — and exciting to find out.

And that mindset lasts far beyond one week.

A simple way to make science accessible for all

If you’re looking for a low-pressure, inclusive way to support British Science Week, our Science Gadget Shop is designed with accessibility in mind.

• Hands-on, curiosity-led items

• Easy for children to explore independently

• Ideal for SEND-inclusive settings

• Simple for schools and PTAs to run

It’s a practical way to make science feel approachable, playful and exciting — especially for the children who need it most.

👉 Explore the Science Gadget Shop and see how easy inclusive science can be.