Three guided enquires inspire young people to ask, investigate and share scientific questions. Designed around the 2024 theme, Sustainable Science, The Great Quantum World results from partnership with the Nanoscale Advanced Materials Engineering (NAME) EPSRC programme researchers and Artful Fox Creatives.

Each is linked to the brand new commissioned book, Izzy Jones’s Quantum World, written by Jules Pottle and illustrated by Rufus Cooper.

Each enquiry provides teachers notes, a video and links to GSSfS resources guiding pupils to work scientifically.

Age: 5-7, 7-11, 11-14 years

Curriculum topics: working scientifically, disciplinary knowledge


Listen to the brand new story, Izzy Jones’s Quantum World, read by author Jules Pottle


What conditions make the best spin for me?

Pupils develop early understandings about things that can be changed and measured - ‘variables.’ Just like Izzy, they get physically involved in spinning and experiencing how it feels when they change one condition (their shoes/socks) and then another. Pupils explore how different things they put on their feet changes the way they perform their spin.

Working scientifically: Pattern seeking


What affects a paper spinner’s fall?

Pupils investigate ways that they can control environmental variables and how this can affect the performance of paper spinners whilst also reinforcing their understanding of independent and dependent variables.

Working scientifically: Comparative and fair testing


What does data tell us about the impact of variables on an investigation?

Pupils investigate how environmental variables affect the performance of paper spinners. The analyse a range of data to draw conclusions, identify anomalous results and the impact of different variables.

Working scientifically: Pattern seeking



This GreatGuided Enquiry was funded by the EPSRC Programme Grant Nanoscale Advanced Materials Engineering (EP/V001914/1) and the Comino Foundation.

Jules Pottle and Rufus Cooper are inspirational science communicators, using story and art to bring science to life for so many young people. Winners of the Association for Science Education Book Prize 2019 and 2023. Read more stories like Izzy Jones’s Quantum World from Artful Fox Creatives.


Professor Richard Curry (Vice-Dean of Research and Innovation) explains the motivations and reasons for the co-creation of ‘Izzy Jones’s Quantum World.’


Now jump to other 2024 Great Guided Enquiries