World Science Day: Exploring Peace, Sustainability, Collaboration and Global Citizenship on November 10th

Every year on the 10th of November, schools, scientists and worldwide organisations mark World Science Day for Peace and Development. The day is led by UNESCO and highlights something that can be easy to forget in the classroom, but is at the centre of Developing Experts’ approach: that science isn’t just a subject, but is a tool for solving problems, protecting our planet, improving lives and building a more peaceful world. 

The 2025 theme, ‘Trust, Transformation and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for 2050,’ aims to make us think about the kind of science needed by the next generation. This is why the day is perfect to share and discuss with your students in their science lessons - they’re the future problem-solvers the world needs! 

Why bring World Science Day into the Classroom? 

Teaching science through the lens of peace, sustainability and global development supports key aims of the UK National Curriculum, including: 

• Developing pupils’ understanding of the uses and implications of science in society (KS1–KS3)
• Enabling pupils to work scientifically by asking questions, testing ideas, gathering evidence and evaluating solutions
• Helping pupils understand that science is a collaborative, international endeavour
• Encouraging pupils to think critically about how science can be used responsibly.

It also supports wider whole-school aims, such as:

• Global citizenship education
• SMSC development (spiritual, moral, social and cultural)
• Cross-curricular links with geography, PSHE, English and computing.

And, best of all: you don’t need expensive resources to take part.

Below are four easy, low-prep activities you can run across EYFS, primary or lower secondary, each one linked to the UK science curriculum and the values behind World Science Day.

1. Water Filtration Challenge: Science for a Fairer World

Age: KS2–KS3
Curriculum links and DE units: 

• KS2: Year 5 Properties and Changes of Materials and Year 3 Scientific Enquiry 
• KS3: Separation techniques and Earth and atmosphere

Activity: Pupils build a simple water filter using sand, gravel, cotton wool and charcoal, then test how clean the filtered water becomes. They compare designs and evaluate effectiveness as real scientists do.

Why it fits the theme: Many communities still lack safe drinking water. Scientists create solutions that save lives and reduce conflict over scarce resources.

Extension: Research the cost of different water-purifying technologies and discuss equity: who gets access, and why?

2. Global Data Detectives: How Science Helps Us Understand the World

Age: KS1–KS2

Curriculum links:

• KS1 & KS2: Year 3 Scientific Enquiry 

Activity: Give pupils simple global data sets (e.g. literacy rates, child mortality and carbon emissions). They spot patterns, ask questions and suggest how science can help.

Why it fits the theme: Scientists use evidence, not assumptions, to make decisions that affect real people.

Extension: Pupils write a ‘science solution postcard’ to a world leader.

3. Eco-Inventors: Design a Technology That Helps People and the Planet

Age: EYFS–KS3 (adaptable)

Curriculum links:

• KS1/KS2: Year 2 Uses of Everyday Materials and Year 5 Properties of Materials 
• KS3: Energy & Heat 

Activity: Pupils invent something that could improve lives in a community somewhere in the world - for example:

• A solar-powered fridge for medicines
• A low-cost water purifier
• A recycled-material shelter for refugees

They label their design and write or present how it supports peace or quality of life.

Why it fits the theme: It shows pupils that science serves human needs, not just curiosity.

4. Mini-UN Science Summit

Age: KS2–KS3

Curriculum links:

• KS2 & KS3: Year 3 Scientific Enquiry 

Activity: Each group represents a country and argues for the most urgent global science priority (e.g. clean energy, plastic-free oceans, climate-resilient crops and disease research). The class votes on the most fair solution, not just the most useful for rich countries.

Why it fits the theme: It shows that science, policy, fairness and peace are deeply connected.

Looking for ready-made science lessons? 

If you're planning a full lesson or unit around sustainability, global development or inspiring scientists, you can explore Developing Experts’ curriculum-aligned lesson library, which includes:

• Environmental science lessons from EYFS to KS4
• Experiments and investigations with step-by-step teacher slides
• Careers links showing how real scientists solve global problems
• Quizzes, handouts, videos and vocabulary progression built in.

Explore all our resources at www.developingexperts.com today.