9 Engaging Back-to-School Science Activities to Spark Curiosity & Build Classroom Community
- Androy Bruney
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Back-to-school season in the science classroom doesn't have to mean dull icebreakers and endless rule-reading. With the right activities, you can set the tone for inquiry, connection, and creativity—starting on day one.
Whether you teach middle school science, 9th-grade chemistry, or general science, these back-to-school science activities will help your students feel seen, inspired, and ready to learn.
From lab safety reviews to science identity prompts, this list is filled with printable and digital resources that are easy to prepare and fun to use.
Here are 9 classroom-tested, teacher-approved activities to make your first week of science unforgettable.
1. Microscope Stickers Activity: Zoom in on Summer
Swap the standard “What I Did This Summer” worksheet for this creative twist. Students decorate a microscope illustration with personalized “stickers” that represent their summer, then explain each one in writing.
Why it works:It’s a science-themed art + writing task that helps you learn about your students without putting anyone student on the spot.
Check out the bundle here.
2. Let’s Flame-ingle: A Science Icebreaker That Gets Students Moving
In this science-themed mingle activity, students walk around the room and find classmates who match prompts like “Has done a science fair” or “Loves space science.” Each student can only be used once!
It combines movement, interaction, and science identity in a no-prep format—perfect for day 1. This activity comes in both printable and digital formats.
Check out the bundle here.
3. Bright Ideas: What’s Your Big Science Question?
Students write or draw their “big science idea” inside a light bulb—whether it’s a question they’ve always wondered about, an invention they want to create, or a topic they’re eager to explore.
You’ll gain instant insight into your students’ interests while reinforcing scientific curiosity and goal-setting.
4. My Science Mosaic: Color-By-Truth Identity Builder
Students color each shape based on how true a science statement is for them (e.g., “I love doing experiments,” “I’m curious about space”). With four color choices and three layout styles, this activity yields a vibrant mosaic of science identity.
It’s introspective, creative, and creates a visual class collage that celebrates student diversity.
5. The Elements of Me: Periodic Table Personality Project
Students select 4–6 real periodic table symbols (like H = Hardworking, Li = Listener) from a custom list and decorate them to reflect their personality. Then they write a short explanation for each.
It cleverly blends chemistry and self-reflection, and it’s a great way to introduce the periodic table with meaning.
Check out the bundle here.
6. Science All About Me Foldable
This isn’t your typical all-about-me sheet. Students answer science-themed identity prompts like “Favorite Solid = Food” and “Favorite Gas = Smell,” then cut out and attach goggles to create a fun foldable for notebooks or displays.
It’s hands-on, playful, and rooted in science vocabulary from the start.
This resource is available in both digital and printable formats!
7. Lab Safety Escape the Maze
This maze-style game challenges students to answer multiple-choice lab safety questions to escape. There are two mazes included—one focused on lab safety rules and the other on lab tools and equipment.
Students move through the maze by choosing the correct answer, making it a self-checking and highly interactive way to review safety without the lecture.
8. Lab Safety Color-by-Number
In this activity, students answer lab safety multiple-choice questions and color science-themed images based on their answers. It’s perfect for bulletin boards and interactive notebooks.
No-prep + high engagement = a win during those hectic first few days.
9. Scientific Method & Lab Tools Color-by-Number
Two separate color-by-code worksheets cover:
Each includes 8 multiple-choice questions and two illustrations for students to color.
It’s a simple, creative way to reinforce science procedures and vocabulary while giving students a break from traditional review.
Why These Activities Work for the First Week of Science
These activities aren’t just busywork. They’re designed to:
Promote student voice and identity
Build science community and conversation
Review critical lab skills and safety procedures
Add creativity to your science classroom from day one
Each activity is low prep, printable or digital, and ready to go. Whether you're a veteran science teacher or new to the classroom, this bundle gives you everything you need to launch the year with purpose and fun.
Grab the Full Back-to-School Science Activities Bundle
Looking for all these resources in one place? Grab the Back-to-School Science MEGA Bundle on TPT and take the stress out of your first week!
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