Encourage student inquiry and celebrate scientific achievement with our National Science Week: Biography Bunting and Banner! This interactive resource invites students to research and present biographical information about influential scientists using scaffolded bunting templates. It’s a creative way to build research skills, scientific understanding, and classroom pride during National Science Week or throughout the year.

Students explore a scientist’s early life, major discoveries, and the legacy of their work. With both pre-filled and blank bunting options included, this activity is flexible for whole-class instruction, group research tasks, or individual inquiry projects. Once complete, students’ bunting pieces can be displayed alongside the included banner to create a vibrant celebration of science in action.

This resource makes an ideal companion to our Scientist Biography Posters and supports cross-curricular links between literacy, history, and science. It encourages students to see science as a human endeavour and fosters appreciation for the people who have shaped our understanding of the world.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Research and summarise key biographical information
• ✅ Identify the contributions of significant scientists
• ✅ Organise ideas into a visual presentation format
• ✅ Develop communication skills through written and visual expression
• ✅ Build classroom community and scientific literacy through collaborative display

What’s Included:

• Pre-filled bunting templates for well-known scientists
• Blank bunting templates for open-ended research
• National Science Week banner for classroom display
• Sections include early life, key discoveries, and lasting impact

Materials Needed:

• Printed bunting templates (1 per student or group)
• Pencils, markers, or coloured pencils
• String or ribbon and pegs or clips for hanging
• Access to research materials (books, websites, videos)

How to Use:

1. Introduce students to the idea of science as a human endeavour and explain the task.
2. Assign or allow students to choose a scientist to research.
3. Students complete the bunting by writing, drawing, and colouring key facts.
4. Use the banner and bunting to create a collaborative wall display.
5. Encourage students to share their scientist’s story with the class or school community.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use alongside the Scientist Biography Posters as a literacy extension
• 💡 Display the completed bunting during a National Science Week open classroom or expo
• 💡 Turn the activity into a mini research project or oral presentation
• 💡 Assign scientists based on units being studied in chemistry, physics, biology, or Earth sciences
• 💡 Let students create a class “hall of fame” featuring diverse scientists from around the world

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Encourage student voice by allowing free choice of scientists
• 💛 Use speech bubbles or thought prompts on bunting for extra creativity
• 💛 Combine bunting with science-themed borders or timelines for added visual impact
• 💛 Provide scaffolds or sentence starters for younger or reluctant writers

Our Biography Bunting and Banner is a fun and meaningful way to honour the contributions of scientists past and present. It blends research, creativity, and celebration - perfect for National Science Week and beyond.

Be sure to check out our other amazing National Science Week resources!