This year’s British Science Week at BISS was a resounding success, filled with student-led activities that brought science to life in the most engaging and interactive ways. Under the theme of ‘Change’ and ‘Adaptation’, students explored how science evolves to solve global challenges by taking part in a variety of hands-on experiments, competitive quizzes, and thought-provoking discussions.
Science in Action: The Elephant Toothpaste House Demonstration
A particular highlight of the week was the Elephant Toothpaste House Demonstration, an exciting chemistry showcase where students saw the power of chemical change firsthand. In this highly interactive experiment, three representatives from each house followed step-by-step instructions to mix hydrogen peroxide, dishwashing soap, and a catalyst infused with their house colours (red, blue, yellow, and green). The result? A spectacular foamy eruption, much to the delight of onlookers.
Held during assemblies for Key Stage 3, and Key Stages 4 and 5, this event was more than just a demonstration - it was an opportunity for students to develop teamwork skills, refine their practical techniques, and adapt their approach based on scientific observations.
Science Quiz Bee: A Test of Knowledge and Adaptability
The Science Quiz Bee brought out the competitive spirit in Key Stage 3 students, challenging them to think critically under pressure. The competition was divided into two phases:
• Preliminary rounds were conducted during Science lessons, where students took part in a 30-minute written test to determine the top scorer from each class.
• The grand final took place in front of a live KS3 audience, where finalists battled it out in a series of challenging science-based questions, testing their ability to apply scientific reasoning, analyse problems, and adapt quickly to unexpected challenges.
The event was highly engaging, with students demonstrating an impressive depth of knowledge while competing for the title of Science Quiz Champion 2025.
Student-Led Insights: AI in Medicine and Scientific Innovation
A truly inspiring moment from the week came from Year 11 students Amy and Rachel, who delivered a presentation on the role of artificial intelligence in medical science. They explored the work of Regina Barzilay, a leading scientist in AI-driven healthcare, and shared how her pioneering contributions have transformed early breast cancer detection and led to the discovery of Halicin, the first new antibiotic in 30 years.
Their talk underscored the importance of scientific progress and adaptability, encouraging students to consider how they, too, could contribute to the ever-changing landscape of science.
Looking Ahead: More Science to Come!
The excitement doesn’t end with British Science Week! There’s plenty more on the horizon for science enthusiasts at the British International School of Shanghai:
24 March 2025 – Collaborative Science Project: A cross-disciplinary project where students will work together to apply their scientific skills to real-world challenges; this year is about optimising sports with science and technology.
28 March 2025 – Year 9 Science Fair: An opportunity for our Year 9 students to showcase their independent research and investigative skills, presenting innovative projects that reflect the theme of scientific discovery and progress.
British Science Week 2025 was a wonderful celebration of curiosity, innovation, and scientific exploration. From explosive chemical reactions to intense quiz competitions and inspiring student-led talks, the week truly reflected the passion for science that thrives at BISS.
