Since 2011, we've been creating experiences that make science even more fun, interactive, and memorable. Performing our lively Primary and Intermediate School Science Shows across Aotearoa is our main passion.
We also host HIVE MIND with our friends from the Science Learning Hub. Hive Mind is a FREE online gathering for teachers to celebrate and share hands-on science classroom ideas.
Plus, entertaining guests at events is a blast with our ‘Snapshot Science’ activities. We love performing our shows in museums and libraries and developing content for others as we draw on decades of combined experience of educational shows, tours, and activities. Kindergartens in Tāmaki Makaurau adore our popular ‘Wonderful World of Bubbles’ science show too!
We value teachers' time. If it's easier, you can receive an automated email sent to you right now with all the information you need.
If you haven't partnered with us before, we're always happy to chat. We would love to connect with you!
💡Book in a 15 minute zoom or phone call with us at a time that suits you.
💡Drop us a quick message with your questions.
💡 Text us on 022 682 3009
💡 Check out our online booking calendar
💡 Access FREE classroom resources
Our prices are listed on our booking forms and there are no hidden costs. When you're ready ...
💡 Make a Primary and Intermediate school booking
💡 Register your interest for a future school booking
💡 Book an ECE Science Show (Auckland only)
In-Person School Science Shows
Science in a Van travels to you and sets up in your primary or intermediate school hall. This makes for an easy, exciting and affordable way to enhance your science programme.
Is it a theatre show? Is it a science lesson? It's both!
There are lots of topics for you to choose from and they are outlined below. Each science show encourages the students to think like scientists and there are shows which cover content from the Material World and Physical World Strands of the NZ Science Curriculum. There are also FREE classroom resources that link in with each show (thank you Science Learning Hub!)
In-Person School Science Shows - Topics
Daring Demos - The Physical World
Science in a Van has a brand new science show “Daring Demos”! This show has been especially designed for smaller schools (total roll <160) who love learning across year levels. It’s a real mix of ooooh and aaaahhh moments and a heap of physics based experiments that students will want to have a go at straight away (just like in this video)!
45 minute science show. Developed for mixed year levels and small schools. Years 1-8.
Book/Register Now : Tour Dates : Prices/Timetable/More Info : Classroom Resources
The Wonderful World of Bubbles - The Material World
This experience facilitates the exploration of identifying, classifying and investigating materials. Students will get an understanding of mixtures, how they can separate and how they can come together to create a reaction! During this show, we journey together through the scientific process of guessing (predicting), trying it out (testing) and seeing what happens (observations). And of course ... there's giant bubbles!
45 minute science show. Developed for Years 0-4.
Book/Register Now : Tour Dates : Prices/Timetable/More Info : Classroom Resources
What's the Matter? – The Material World
What are the properties of a material? How many states of matter are there? This show will get your students excited about solids, liquids and gases. It introduces the periodic table in a fun way and demonstrates how elements can come together to make different materials. We discuss how materials can change with mixing and temperature and enjoy explosive experiments!
45 minute science show. Developed for Years 4-8.
Book/Register Now : Tour Dates : Prices/Timetable/More Info : Classroom Resources
Billy Goats Gruff : A tale of competing forces – The Physical World
A classic tale with some new twists! Your juniors will be spellbound as they watch the crafty goats apply their knowledge of forces to move the terrifying troll. By the end of this storytelling your students will be able to use the words 'force' and 'friction'. They will also understand the effect of pulling and pushing a stationary object.
45 minute science storytelling show. Developed for Years 0-3.
Book/Register Now : Tour Dates : Prices/Timetable/More Info : Classroom Resources
Move It! Exploring the laws of motion – The Physical World
During this interactive show, your students will learn what Newton's three laws of motion are all about. They will then apply that knowledge to fly Space Chick Steve across the school hall! This show will get you thinking about how and why things move. Cleverly it introduces the concept of fair testing while exploring forces.
45 minute science show. Developed for Years 4-8.
Book/Register Now : Tour Dates : Prices/Timetable/More Info : Classroom Resources
The Science of Sound – The Physical World
Learn about the phenomena of sound! You and your students will be wowed by demonstrations which explore what sound is, how it is created and how sound behaves. Walk away with a clear explanation and understanding of volume, pitch and frequency. We’ll also break the sound barrier, see a teacher blasted by a pressure wave and have a laugh with a human xylophone.
45 minute science show. Developed for Years 4-8.
Book/Register Now : Tour Dates : Prices/Timetable/More Info : Classroom Resources
In-Person ECE Science Shows
The Wonderful World of Bubbles for ECEs is a 35 minute show.
Science in a Van travels to you and sets up in your Early Childhood Centre. Currently we are only offering this ECE show in the Auckland area.
This science show is super fun, full of laughter AND will take your under-5s through the scientific process! The children will continue to talk about the show long after it's finished as it's so memorable - who doesn't remember bubbles bigger than a two year old?!
During the session we explore lots of simple science experiments to think more about mixtures, how they can separate and how they can come together to create a reaction. There are also body movements to reinforce our learning and even a bit of dancing!
To book or not to book?
Thank you so much Emily, weeks later our children are still talking about your show!! You do such an amazing job at engaging the children to learn about science while making it so much fun for them. We look forward to having you back again in the future. – Nina Busing Kindergarten
I loved that the Science in a Van team were so inclusive. They welcomed X personally, with big smiles, and made a real effort to get to know him (esp while we were waiting in the hall on our own, during the break). I felt well supported, and at ease in allowing X to move freely around the room, interacting with the bubbles and engaging with the Science Van teachers. It was a really positive learning experience for X, and I would recommend the Science Van team to other schools, especially those who have children with special needs. - Julia, learning support extraordinaire : Waiheke Primary
These guys are so great. During the lockdown our two girls were transfixed by their entertaining YouTube live shows. Hoping to watch their shows in person soon. – Justin, Thankful Dad
Alan and Emily confirmed that teaching science like any curriculum area, is all about confidence to TAKE RISKS (make a fool of yourself if necessary) and never be afraid to be seen as a learner by your students. - Jonathan Davidson, Laingholm School
Your show is engaging, fun, hands-on and incredibly informative and we are so grateful that you have managed to instil a love and fascination for science in our young tamariki. - Trinity Kindy Teaching Team
COVID-19 Update
Nervous about booking ahead? Don't worry! We’ve done everything possible to take the stress out of making a Science in a Van booking.
As we visit schools all over the country, we do our best to stop the spread of viruses.
We have redesigned our shows to maintain sensible physical distancing.
We have adapted 'The Wonderful World of Bubbles' show to ensure that our breath-blown bubbles pop on us and not on you! :)
Science in a Van are following the Ministry of Education guidelines.
We will never come to school if we get a positive Covid test. Instead, we'll let you know asap and work on rescheduling your booking.
We are vaxed to the max!
Each day we assess our own health and safety risks too. If the show area is poorly ventilated, this may mean we need to wear our masks during the show. However, you can simply open a few windows or doors to encourage airflow, this can really make a difference. (We haven't had Covid yet ... as far as we're aware lol)
If we need to cancel your booking, we'll work together to reschedule. If we are unable to reschedule, you won't pay anything.
Programme and Content Development
Between them, Emily and Alan have had decades of experience writing and delivering content development for schools, museums and visitor attractions. If you’d like help scripting an educational show, tour or interactive experience – get in touch.
Snapshot Science at your next event
Planning an event and looking for something extra for your visitors? Science in a Van’s latest offering ‘Snapshot Science’ is the perfect addition!
Science in a Van will help create a buzz as they roam around your event with a range of their interactive and entertaining science demos. These demonstrations will draw a crowd and can easily keep the attention of 15-20 visitors at one go. In the quieter moments we can have longer interactions with individuals or family groups.
Visitors of all ages will have the chance to experience a selection of exciting science demos and get hands-on too! Imagine a mix of circus, science, magic and comedy.
Science in a Van always comes to your venue prepared. We are a self-supporting mobile unit with everything we need and the experience to present and engage in a changing environment. We can activate any area. This might mean walking around delivering small interactions, adding value to ‘dead time’ as visitors wait in a queue or, with Alan’s vast street busking experience, spontaneously create a show area with a large audience.
Make your next event even more memorable!
Contact us to start the conversation.