'Science Fun Days': Opportunities for Connecting Primary School Pupils With Nature and Microbiology

Area of Science:

• Microbiology education
• Science outreach
• STEM engagement

Background:

• Limited microbiology education in UK primary schools.
• Societal lack of awareness regarding beneficial microbial activities.
• Need to promote positive attitudes towards science and nature in young learners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To increase primary school pupils' (aged 9-11) microbiological awareness.
• To foster positive attitudes towards science and nature.
• To encourage science-related career aspirations.

Main Methods:

• Organized "Science Fun Days" with hands-on laboratory and outdoor activities.
• Conducted pre- and post-event surveys with over 300 primary school pupils.
• Collected data on pupils' understanding of microbes and interest in science careers.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in pupils' knowledge of microbes post-event (68.7% to 88.0% in 2024; 49.3% to 79.1% in 2025).
• Increased proportion of pupils desiring science careers (29.6% to 41.9% in 2024; 21.8% to 32.9% in 2025).
• Pupils from high deprivation areas showed higher interest in science careers.

Conclusions:

• Extra-curricular science events effectively enhance microbiology understanding.
• Outreach programs positively influence attitudes towards science and nature.
• Science Fun Days successfully encourage science career aspirations in primary pupils.