Steps into Science

Inspiration, support and resources for primary teaching

Announcing our 2021 Education Prize winners

Join us in celebrating excellence and innovation in the teaching of chemistry and primary science

Meet the winners

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Sustainability contexts for primary science

Find out how to teach science curriculum topics through engaging sustainability contexts. Our topic webs include suggestions for classroom activities that develop numeracy, literacy and scientific skills. 

Photo of a woman holding a sign that reads 'there is no planet B'.

Exploring climate justice: a human rights-based approach

This resource explores the concept of climate justice using case studies from Scotland and Somaliland. The resource takes a global citizenship approach and links to the Curriculum for Excellence. 

RSC education coordinators

Education coordinators

For all queries relating to education support, networks and outreach activities in your area of the UK and Ireland

Sustainability contexts for primary science

Photo of a traditional cooking stove that burns wood under a cooking pot

Pollutants produced by chemical changes | 9–11 years

Connect your curriculum teaching on chemical changes to engaging sustainability contexts. This topic web suggests classroom activities linked to plastic degradation and clean cooking. 

Photo of a circuit using three potatoes to light a bulb

Electricity and batteries | 7–9 years

Connect your curriculum teaching on electricity to engaging sustainability contexts. This topic web suggests classroom activities linked to batteries and electric cars. 

Photo of a man checking an electricity meter on his phone

Electricity production and use | 9–11 years

Connect your curriculum teaching on electricity to engaging sustainability contexts. This topic web suggests classroom activities linked to sustainable sources of electricity and monitoring our electricity usage. 

Photo of who bees collecting pollen from a purple flower

Biodiversity and habitats | 4–7 years

Connect your curriculum teaching on habitats to engaging sustainability contexts. This topic web suggests classroom activities linked to increasing biodiversity and protecting marine habitats.

Photo of a polar bear scratching their neck with one paw

Protecting animals and their habitats | 7–9 years

Connect your curriculum teaching on habitats to engaging sustainability contexts. This topic web suggests classroom activities linked to protecting the habitats of orangutans and polar bears. 

Photo of a young girl putting a plastic bottle into a household bin

Materials, recycling and rubbish | 4–7 years

Connect your curriculum teaching on materials to engaging sustainability contexts. This topic web suggests classroom activities linked to recycling and how much rubbish is produced in your school.

Discover our support

Female primary teachers works at her desk

Boost your knowledge

Boost your knowledge and confidence to teach primary school science. Browse CPD opportunities from the RSC and our partners, or find out about science news.

Primary school pupil shows off a model they've made from wood and plasticine

Beyond the classroom

Explore opportunities to enrich your pupils' science learning. Find out about competitions and challenges, or try out our resources for home learning.

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Get funding

Find out about funding opportunities for projects and equipment

With thanks

Logo: Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851

Steps into Science has been generously supported by a grant from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851