Biology Week Calendar

BioCraft Competition: Participants created a biology-inspired art sculpture from recycled, or other, materials to enter into the RSB BioCraft competition. 

A to Z of the Biosciences: RSB’s ‘A to Z of the Biosciences’ short films, shining a spotlight on different bioscience careers, returned for a third series launching weekly videos starting in Biology Week. 

Memory Game: Download the Memory Game activity to play with your class or STEM club during Biology Week – test your students’ memory and learn more about the biosciences together in this fun activity. 

Biology Colouring Book: Enjoy 14 pages of pure colouring joy, drawn by scientists, featuring activities like masks and puzzles — an education activity produced by the Association of the Study of Animal Behaviour. 

Women in Animal Behaviour Science Posters: Download free posters celebrating women in animal behaviour science. Teachers can request hard copies for their classrooms by emailing education@asab.org — an education activity produced by the Association of the Study of Animal Behaviour. 

Kitchen Classification: Use plants found in your kitchen, herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables, to create a classification diagram — an educational activity produced by Science & Plants for Schools. 

Noticing Variation in Plants: Discover the variation in the plants around you, whether it’s houseplants, gardens, or wild spaces — an educational activity produced by Science & Plants for Schools. 

Nuts About Classification: Explore the classification system of life by examining the relationships between different nuts — an educational activity produced by Science & Plants for Schools. 

Teaching Classification and Evolution Using Plants: Explore engaging ways to use plants to teach classification and evolution, inspiring students to connect with nature — an educational activity produced by Science & Plants for Schools.

Fungi Around the World Webinar: Participants could join mycologists from around the world for a free webinar exploring the incredible diversity and impact of fungi.

It's a Wild Life — Tales from Television: Award-winning television presenter, Dr George McGavin Hon FRSB, shared his personal journey to discover the world of wildlife — big and especially small. 

Innovative Brain Health Research: Professor Anne Corbett from the University of Exeter shared the latest brain health research and how you can participate in dementia prevention studies from home. 

Faster, Higher, Stronger — Older: Participants could discover the science behind muscle ageing and maintaining strength with Dr Ros West from the University of Exeter. 

The Fundamentals of Sports Nutrition: Participants could learn about fuelling for exercise and optimising recovery with Dr Alistair Monteyne's beginner-friendly talk. 

Teach the Parent Competition: Students were encouraged to discuss environmental changes with their parents to inspire action and win £500 of STEM equipment. 

The Quest to Save the World's Largest Flowers with Dr Chris Thorogood: An online talk delivered by Dr Thorogood, deputy director and head of science at the University of Oxford, described his adventures and conservation efforts studying Rafflesia, the biology of the plant with the world's largest flowers. 

UK Fungus Day Photography Competition: The opportunity to capture stunning images of fungi, open to adults aged 18 and over with great prizes for top entries.

Networking and Awards Ceremony: The event included networking and a canapé reception as well as a celebration of RSB awards and competitions. 

The World of Octopuses: The SeaLife Centre Blackpool hosted expert talks and a tour celebrating World Octopus Day. 

Norwich Biosciences Institutes Accessible Science Talks: Leading researchers spoke about plants, microbes, genomics, human health, and science careers in an accessible way. 

Teach the Parent Competition: Students were encouraged to discuss environmental changes with their parents to inspire action and win £500 of STEM equipment. 

The Greatest Traders on Earth with Professor Lindsay Turnbull (a tale from Biology: The Whole Story): A free online talk delivered by Professor Turnbull, professor of plant ecology at the University of Oxford, who explained why plants are the greatest traders on Earth. 

ZSL Scientist in your Classroom: Participants could join ZSL online from their classroom, and give their secondary school students the opportunity to meet a ZSL expert.

Molecular modelling, coral reef research, and studying wildlife from space talk and Q&A: Participants could hear what experts do in the fascinating worlds of molecular modelling, coral reef research, and studying wildlife from space. An ideal event for anyone aged 11-19 highlighted the diverse career pathways available within the biosciences. 

Myth Busting Biology: A Tutor-Led Exploration: Expert biologists debunked common biology myths, answered student questions, and connected discussions to A Level and GCSE curricula. 

Teach the Parent Competition: Students were encouraged to discuss environmental changes with their parents to inspire action and win £500 of STEM equipment. 

ZSL Scientist in your Classroom: Participants could join ZSL online from their classroom, and give their secondary school students the opportunity to meet a ZSL expert.

Galapagos Day 2024: Turning the Tide on Plastic Pollution: The Galapagos Conservation Trust hosted an evening of expert talks and insights on tackling plastic pollution in the Galapagos Islands, featuring conservationists and UN representatives. 

Plant Health Series: Visit to Kew Gardens: An exclusive opportunity as part of the RSB Plant Health Series to visit the renowned Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, relevant to all plant health professionals including members of the RSB Plant Health Register. 

Teach the Parent Competition: Students were encouraged to discuss environmental changes with their parents to inspire action and win £500 of STEM equipment. 

The Science of Why We Exist with Professor Tim Coulson: In this talk delivered by Professor Coulson, professor of zoology at the University of Oxford, attendees heard about 3.8 billion years' worth of everything from the Big Bang to the complexity of the human mind. 

ZSL Scientist in your Classroom: Participants joined ZSL online from their classroom, and give their secondary school students the opportunity to meet a ZSL expert.

Material Makers: Bio-Builders Afterschool Drop-in: Participants explored biodesign and created biomaterials at this free afterschool drop-in for kids and families. 

National Spelling Bee 2024 Final: The National Spelling Bee started in late September with an online final during Biology Week. 

Teach the Parent Competition: Students were encouraged to discuss environmental changes with their parents to inspire action and win £500 of STEM equipment.

Visit to Arne RSPB Nature Reserve: On this guided tour of Arne RSPB Nature Reserve in Dorset, participants had the chance to spot spoonbills, nightjars, and various reptiles while learning about the area's diverse wildlife, their habitats, and the effects of climate change. 

Cambridge Big Biology Day 2024: A Celebration of Science: Participants experienced the biggest Cambridge Big Biology Day yet, featuring 50 exhibitors, interactive activities, and expert careers advice. 

How Floods Determine River Landscapes: Professor Hugh Sinclair from the University of Edinburgh discussed how floods shape river landscapes, with examples from the Himalayas and Scotland. 

Lifecycle of a Butterfly: Participants learned about the fascinating lifecycle of a butterfly with live demonstrations and fun, educational activities for all ages. 

Protecting the River Sid: Graham Roberts, a retired ecologist, explored the importance of the River Sid and the efforts to protect it. 

Guided Tour of Pensthorpe Nature Park: Participants explored Pensthorpe Nature Park on a guided tour with Conservation Officer Richard Spowage. They learned about conservation efforts, wildlife habitats, and species breeding projects including cranes, curlews, and turtle doves. 

What Lives in Our Canal?: Participants joined Antony Scimone MRSB from the University of Bradford and a member of the RSB Yorkshire Branch Committee for an exciting day exploring the life in the local canal.

Lifecycle of a Butterfly: Participants learned about the fascinating lifecycle of a butterfly with live demonstrations and fun, educational activities for all ages.