Exploring carbon – activities for primary classrooms
In this recorded professional learning session, the Science Learning Hub is joined by Science Alive, the House of Science and the New Zealand Association of Primary Science Educators (NZAPSE) as we demonstrate simple practical activities and share free online resources.
Some wonderful easy experiments.
Whether you're building your confidence in teaching science or looking for new ways to grow an understanding of carbon with your students, this webinar will provide ideas you can use for Primary Science Week 2026, or whenever you want to explore the importance of carbon or provide engaging opportunities for observation and exploration.
Thanks for the ideas – something new to try with my class!
Please note: before doing any science activities with students stop to consider health and safety. Some of the activities shared involve substances that require careful attention. For example, practice blowing out prior to using straws and use safety glasses to protect the eyes.
Exploring carbon activities for primary classrooms
This is an edited recording of the webinar Exploring carbon activities for primary classrooms.
Remember you can download the video.
Resources shared from the presenters
Download these activities:
John Marsh’s Limewater activity
Steven Sexton’s Phenol Red activity
Related content
Discover a range of carbon related activities here.
On our YouTube channel, see our collection of videos on Carbon and the carbon cycle.
Visit our Pinterest board The carbon cycle.
Watch previous webinars featuring New Zealand Association of Primary Science Educators:
Useful links
Explore these organisations supporting science education in Aotearoa:
The New Zealand Association of Primary Science Educators supports primary teachers and hosts the annual Primary Science Week.
Science Alive is a charitable trust with a mission to make science captivating and accessible for all.
The House of Science deliver science and pūtaiao kits for Years 0–8 learners with the goal of raising scientific literacy.
Carol Briesman created a collection of fun Kitchen science experiments.
The Kiwi Conservation Club has a carbon footprint boardgame and lots more great science related activities.
Acknowledgement
Ngā mihi nui! Thank you to the enthusiastic presenters who shared their activities and resources.
