Planning a school science day that everyone remembers
A science show to gather everyone, workshops where every student gets hands-on, and a schedule that flows: here is how to plan a science day, a Science Week or a Pro-D day without the stress.
Combine the big moment and the hands-on time
The most memorable science days mix two things. A science show brings the whole group together for an hour of surprises, with students invited on stage. Workshops in small groups then let every student handle the materials, test an idea and see what happens.
Our Pro-D day format follows exactly that rhythm: a 30-minute opening show, workshops adapted to each age group, then a grand finale with the second part of the show.
Build the schedule around your groups
Start with the number of groups and their ages. Science workshop groups work best with up to 25 children, robotics groups with up to 20. Shows have no minimum or maximum: they work for one class or several hundred students.
If there is little time between workshops, run them all in the same room. It keeps the day moving and gives students more time on the activity.
- Morning: opening show for everyone.
- Late morning and afternoon: workshops by group, in rotation.
- End of day: closing show or a short sharing of discoveries.
Prepare the space
For a show, plan a clear space, indoors or outdoors, access to the light switches for an indoor show, electrical outlets and a sink nearby. Some workshops also need a sink or an interactive whiteboard; we go over it together when you book. That is usually all it takes.
Pick themes for the occasion
Science Week is a great time for experiments that make an impression, such as dry ice or chemical reactions. In October, the Halloween show The Science of Fear fits right in. In December, The Great Inventor Elf brings gadgets and holiday surprises.
A budget example
For a Pro-D day in Greater Vancouver, Package 2B combines three 60-minute workshops and a 60-minute show for $1,645, and Package 2C four workshops and a show for $1,860. For a group that loves technology, Package D offers three hours of robotics for $600. Travel, GST and PST are extra, and every package can be adapted to your budget and your group.
Set the budget
A science show starts at $1,000, and a magic & science show at $800; several shows on the same day lower the price per show. Pro-D day packages start at $430 for two 60-minute workshops and $1,430 for two workshops plus a 60-minute show. Travel and taxes are extra. See the full pricing.
Some events can also be supported by French-language funding programs or your parent council, depending on their criteria.
An example of a science day
Every school is different, but this outline works for most science days and Pro-D days. Adapt the times to your bell schedule.
- Opening: everyone in the gym for the first part of the show. Students are invited on stage as assistants.
- Workshops: groups rotate through workshops adapted to their age, in classrooms or in a single room if there is little time between groups.
- Lunch break: a good moment to let older students prepare a short presentation of what they discovered.
- Grand finale: everyone together again for the second part of the show, with new surprises.
On a Pro-D day, Profaqua’s team leads every activity from start to finish, so your staff can join in with the children or use the time for other tasks.
Make it a day students talk about
Small touches make a big difference. Announce the day a week ahead with a mystery question on the board. Name a few science assistants in advance; they will be proud to wear the lab coat. At the end, take five minutes for each group to share its favourite experiment.
Invite families if you can: a show is a great way to open the school doors, and parents often discover what their children are learning in French. Some events of this kind can also be supported by your PAC or APÉ.
Outside Greater Vancouver
The Pro-D day service is offered in Greater Vancouver. Elsewhere in British Columbia, schools can book shows and workshops when Profaqua tours their region: Vancouver Island, the Okanagan, the Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky and Northern BC. Coordinating with nearby schools on the same dates keeps travel costs down. See the upcoming tours.
Checklist for the week before
- Confirm the schedule and the rooms with Profaqua.
- Book the gym for the show and check access to the light switches.
- Form the groups and share the rotation with every teacher.
- Plan a sink and electrical outlets near the workshop rooms.
- Name a contact person to welcome the facilitators on the day.
Can your team run the whole day?
Yes. During a Pro-D day, our team leads all the activities. Your staff can join in with the children or use the time for other tasks.
Is the Pro-D day format available everywhere?
The Pro-D day service is offered in Greater Vancouver. Elsewhere in BC, shows and workshops can be booked during our regional tours.
How far ahead should we book a science day?
As early as possible, especially for a date in October or December, or during a regional tour. Send us the date, the number of groups and their ages, and we suggest a schedule.
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Éric Tremblay · Founder of Profaqua
Éric founded Profaqua in 2000. Over 25 years, he has designed more than 55 science workshops in biology, chemistry, physics, Earth and space science, the environment and robotics. Based in British Columbia since 2021, he travels the province every year to bring hands-on science in French to students in francophone and French Immersion schools.
The Profaqua story
