BBC Teach Primary Science.

BBC Teach commissioned a series of films designed for 7–11 year olds at a formative stage in their relationship with science.

The aim was simple, but not easy. Make science feel open, accessible, and relevant. Not something that lives in labs or behind specialist equipment, but something that can happen anywhere.

The content needed to support classroom delivery across the UK curriculum, while also working for home learning. It had to demonstrate scientific thinking clearly, without losing a sense of curiosity or play.

At this age, the tone matters as much as the teaching. The wrong approach risks making science feel rigid or inaccessible. The right approach builds confidence early.

We developed a series of short films built around a clear idea. Science starts with curiosity, not equipment.

Each film centres on a simple, relatable question. Something a child could ask themselves. From how much gas is in a fizzy drink, to whether longer legs help you jump further.

Rather than staging experiments in traditional lab environments, we grounded everything in real-world contexts. Classrooms, everyday spaces, and simple setups that could be recreated.

This decision shaped the entire series. It removed barriers. It showed that investigation is something students can take ownership of.

The films follow a consistent structure. A question. A hypothesis. A test. A result. And crucially, an understanding of how that result was reached.

Presenters guide the process, but never dominate it. The focus stays on enquiry and method, not performance.

Across the series, we combined studio control with location realism. This allowed us to keep the visuals clear and instructive, while maintaining a sense of authenticity.

The series covers a range of KS2 science topics and enquiry skills, including:

• What temperature helps yeast grow most effectively
• Which materials are the best insulators
• Which soil retains the most water
• How much gas is in a fizzy drink
• Which magnets are strongest
• Which paper towel is most absorbent
• Whether longer legs help you jump further
• How liquids can block UV light

Each film is designed to be both a teaching tool and a starting point for further exploration. The series created a consistent, engaging framework for introducing scientific thinking at primary level.

Students are not just shown outcomes. They see how to ask questions, test ideas, and interpret results.Teachers gain a reliable, curriculum-aligned resource that supports both explanation and demonstration. Most importantly, the film positions science as something accessible. Something practical. Something students can do, not just observe