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Education
Child Development
Parenting
Neurodiversity
Research
Jargon Free
Inclusivity
SEND
Community
Research Detectives
Discovering how researchers ask questions, investigate ideas and find answers.
Every great discovery begins with a question!
Research Detectives is a hands-on workshop that introduces children to the exciting world of research through curiosity, investigation and discovery.
Pupils become research detectives, exploring how scientists and researchers ask questions, make predictions, test ideas, gather evidence and draw conclusions.
Through practical investigations, problem-solving challenges and collaborative activities, children discover that research isn’t just something that happens in laboratories or universities. It begins with being curious about the world around us.
What will pupils explore?
- Asking questions and developing ideas for investigation.
- Making predictions and testing whether they are correct.
- Collecting observations, measurements and other evidence.
- Understanding the importance of fair testing.
- Comparing results and drawing conclusions.
- Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Recognising how evidence helps us decide what to believe.
Older pupils may also explore research concepts such as variables, reliability, sampling and bias.
Learning through investigation
Research Detectives puts pupils at the centre of the learning experience.
Children work collaboratively on age-appropriate scientific investigations, developing their skills as they predict, test, observe, record and evaluate their findings.
Younger pupils might investigate which materials keep a teddy bear dry or explore how different objects behave.
Older pupils may test the strength of different bridge designs, investigate reaction times or explore what makes a scientific test fair.
Throughout the workshop, children are introduced to research terminology in a way that is accessible, practical and relevant to their investigations.
The focus isn’t simply on finding the right answer. It’s about asking meaningful questions, being willing to test ideas and understanding what the evidence tells us.
Workshop information
Suitable for: EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
Format: Half-day or full-day workshops
Curriculum links: Science, Working Scientifically, Mathematics and STEM
Key skills: Curiosity, critical thinking, observation, evidence gathering, communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Activities and investigations are adapted to suit the age and developmental stage of participating pupils.
Why choose Research Detectives?
Children are naturally curious. They ask questions, test ideas and explore the world around them every day. Research Detectives builds on that natural curiosity and introduces the foundations of research through practical, engaging experiences.
By encouraging children to investigate, question and evaluate evidence, the workshop helps develop skills that extend beyond science and into everyday learning and decision-making.
Because learning how to ask questions can be just as important as knowing the answers.
Bring Research Detectives to your school
Whether you’re planning a STEM enrichment day, Science Week activity or an engaging curriculum experience, Research Detectives provides a practical introduction to the world of research.
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