Notable Scientists and their Discoveries – Science and History Research Lesson (KS2)

Inspire young learners to explore the brilliant minds behind some of the world’s most revolutionary inventions and discoveries. This fully resourced, ready-to-teach lesson helps KS2 pupils gather information about influential scientists, understand the global impact of their work, and make connections between scientific ideas and the real world.

What’s Included:

• Fully editable ActivInspire flipchart slides (PDF included).
• Interactive Starter – pupils brainstorm and list well-known scientists to activate prior knowledge
• Engaging Visual Prompts – image-based slides for figure identification and discussion
• Famous Scientists Research List – Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo, Curie, Darwin, Franklin, Newton, Berners-Lee, Einstein
• Matching & Analysis Task – match scientists to key discoveries (e.g., telescope, World Wide Web, DNA, parachute)
• Impact Reflection Worksheet – pupils explain how each discovery changed the world
• Peer Share Plenary – encourages discussion and summarising learning

Key Features:

• Fully editable ActivInspire flipchart and supporting resources
• Cross-curricular links to Science, History, and Literacy
• Develops research and comprehension skills
• Rich scientific vocabulary: innovative, revolutionary, discovery, invention, impact
• UK National Curriculum aligned – also adaptable for international use

Perfect for:

• KS2 Science or History lessons
• Used as part of the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) unit ‘They Made A Difference’.
• STEM weeks or Inventors & Inventions topic units
• Whole-class discussions or small group research tasks
• Cover lessons or homework projects