Atomic School Holiday Workshops

These holidays, boost your child’s science education with Atomic School’s exciting hands-on Workshops at the University of Queensland and their theatrical science Spectacular show at Brisbane Powerhouse. The 2-hour workshops blend hands-on and minds-on activities that kids will adore—guaranteed! The 1-hour show merges thrilling entertainment with engaging scientific concepts.

Atomic School is the only organisation globally offering advanced high school science to primary students from Prep to Year 6, making it fun and accessible with hands-on experiments, clear explanations, and dazzling demonstrations.

Atomic School equips children with essential 21st-century science skills, opening doors to fields like engineering, computer technology, nanotechnology, and medicine. These skills prepare them for future STEM careers, including those yet to be imagined.

What They Do In The Hands-on Workshops

At Atomic School holiday workshops, your children will:

• Test CO₂ levels in their own breath.
• Explore plants and insects with 100x microscopes.
• Launch harmless air balls at friends.
• Conduct a chemical reaction using magnesium and acetic acid (vinegar).
• Build molecules with Atomic School’s patented, magnet-based Sticky Atoms models.
• Witness oxygen reigniting a glowing splint.
• Experiment with electric circuits to test conductivity.
• Write chemical formulas.
• Marvel at liquid nitrogen demonstrations.
• Feel carbon dioxide bubbles explode on their hands.
• Observe a helium balloon shrink, sink, then expand and float.

What They Learn

Your children will learn all these amazing things at an Atomic School holiday workshop –

• Discover the scientific theories explaining why the world works as it does—knowledge beyond primary school curricula.
• Master the Periodic Table, understanding its role as the Universe’s atom catalogue and why it has a unique shape.
• Learn how atoms together bond to form molecules, a process active in the world and their bodies.
• Write chemical formulas for the world’s key molecules.
• Explore atoms’ building blocks subatomic particles—protons, electrons, and neutrons.
• Spark their imagination.
• Build a strong foundation for success in high school science and beyond.

Recommended Sequence

Atomic School’s curriculum follows a logical progression, mirroring how scientists developed their models. They recommend enrolling in workshops in this order, starting with Workshop 1.

Starter Workshop 1: Atoms and the Periodic Table

• Atoms, from hydrogen to uranium, are the building blocks of all matter, so this is the best foundational starting point for your child’s science education.
• Introduce your kids to the Periodic Table early—it’s the Universe’s Alphabet. Atomic School believes it should be taught from Prep, not high school, in a child-friendly way that fosters understanding over memorisation. Kids love it!
• Activities include testing electrical conductivity with a portable circuit and playing fun Periodic Table games.

Starter Workshop 2: Molecules

Your child will:

• Use Atomic School’s patented Sticky Atoms models to instantly assemble key molecules like H₂O, NH₃ , CH₄ , CO₂ and C₆H₁₂O₆ and bigger molecules like polymers.
• Build a protein molecule by collaborating with peers—these are vital to air and our bodies.

Starter Workshop 3: Atomic Structure (Protons, Electrons, Neutrons)

Your child will:

• Learn electric charge rules and see electricity in matter through hands-on fun.
• Build atoms from scratch with our patented Atom Maker model.
• Observe how negatively charged electrons orbit the atom’s positive nucleus.
• How the number of protons determines the atom’s identity, whether hydrogen or carbon etc.
• Understand substance behaviours (e.g., metals vs. non-metals, ionic vs. covalent) with remarkable simplicity.

Starter Workshop 4: Ionic and Covalent Bonding

Students will discover:

• Metals bond ionically with non-metals (e.g., NaCl), while non-metals bond with other nonmetals covalently (e.g., H₂O).
• Ionic bonds form lattices making them solids, covalent bonds create molecules so they can be gases or liquids.
  An experiment showing electric current flows through salty water (ionic) but not sugary water (covalent).

Advanced Workshops: Announced Seasonally

Atomic School offers new advanced topics, often building on the four Starter Workshops. For example, Electrochemistry and Acids and Bases rely on Workshop 4, while Waves is standalone (though swimming experience helps!).

Atomic School’s Credentials

Atomic School’s program is university-researched, with findings presented at top education conferences and published in international journals. They’ve been featured on ABC 7:30, The Australian, The Conversation, Channel 10, ABC Science Show, UK Association of Science Education, and British Royal Society of Chemistry journals. Watch Ian’s TEDx talk here. They’ve trained teachers globally, including at Australian and international schools.

“I must compliment Atomic School on its amazing Chemistry unit. I taught it to Grade 2,3,4,5 and 6 children over a couple of years and they all loved it. I think you are responsible for turning all these kids into budding scientists, who cheer when they hear we will be studying Chemistry in our Science sessions. I think your concise way of explaining difficult concepts is the reason the program is so appealing to children. The atom kits made it easy for ALL children to be successful.” – Jane McWhinney, Specialist Science Teacher, Bacchus Marsh Primary School

“I thoroughly recommend Ian Stuart’s Atomic Theory program which we have implemented across all age levels in our school. Our students absolutely LOVE learning about atoms and molecules, and it has given them a window into the microscopic world that they would not otherwise discover until high school. Learning about the key molecules of life- such as H₂O, O₂ and CO₂ – also deepens their appreciation for other fields such as biology, health literacy and space science. We frequently hear our students say that they “can’t wait” to get to their next science lesson.” – Libby Jordan, Principal, Eagleby State School

Why Sign Your Children Up?

They’ll have fun while gaining confidence in science knowledge and language for high school. Atomic School’s mission is to nurture future scientists and science-literate citizens. Primary kids enjoy “grown-up” science, feel proud of their mastery, and unlock their potential—back them today!

FAQ

Who is Atomic School? Founded by Ian Stuart, an experienced Physics and Chemistry teacher, Atomic School adapts high school science for primary students. It’s used by top institutions like Queensland Museum and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

“Ian trained our education team to deliver his Atomic Kids program in 2015. Since then, we’ve delivered this workshop to over 1,000 students and teachers as part of our school holiday workshops and our teacher professional development programs with fantastic feedback. Students love that they get to learn by doing, and are quite chuffed that they can understand atoms and molecules, something normally reserved for high school students only. We thank Ian for gifting us such a fantastic learning package that makes learning about atomic theory really accessible and fun!” – Dr Bridget Murphy, Office of the CEO, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, Sydney

What ages does Atomic School cater for? Workshops are for 5–12-year-olds or high schoolers seeking deeper insights. Parents with children under 8 must attend (free of charge) for support, and to allow older kids to explore more concepts.

What qualifications do Atomic School instructors have? All hold university science/STEM degrees, many with higher degrees, and are registered teachers or Blue Card holders, passionate about science education.

What duration are Atomic School workshops and Atomic Spectacular show? The workshops are 2 hours, including a break for snacks and bathroom visits. The show is 1 hour with no interval.

Does Atomic School provide lunch or snacks? No, due to their “No Food Sharing”policy to avoid allergy risks. Pleasde bring your child’s food and drinks.

Where are Atomic School science workshops and Atomic Spectacular show held? The hands-on workshops are held at the University of Queensland, St Lucia campus. The theatrical show is held at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

Does Atomic School offer discounts for siblings or friends? Yes, they offer 25% off per sibling or friend in one transaction, or for four+ workshops for a single child. One discount type applies—email [email protected] for a coupon.

Testimonials

“My son, Thomas, is not generally one to discuss his day in depth, but after today’s Science workshop he spoke non-stop about the activities and what he’d learnt.
You’ve definitely piqued his interested! He’s excited for the next workshop! Thank you!” – Kylie Smith

Head to Google for more great Atomic School reviews!

To find out more, please visit the Atomic School website.