Life Sciences engagement resources: Making medicines

Discover how scientists develop new medicines through a collection of free, interactive resources for schools, families and curious learners. From games and activity packs for younger children to online challenges for secondary pupils, these resources explore the journey from scientific discovery to life-saving treatments in an engaging and accessible way.

Organised by age group, the activities introduce learners to topics including medicine development, infectious diseases, medicinal plants and the role of research in improving global health. Whether you're looking for classroom resources, at-home activities or educational games, there's something to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Primary (up to 12 years)

• Drug Discovery Snakes and Ladders. Learn about the drug discovery process while playing our theme-twist version. 
• Girl Guiding Medicine Maker Badge Pack. Created by scientists who work on the development of new medicines to treat infected diseases. This pack contains various activities linked to these scientists’ research, with options to suit different ages. The activities are not just for Guides; there are lots that could be used in the classroom. 
• The WeeCAIR Medicinal Garden Activity Pack. The garden shares the story of where some of our medicines come from. Many that we use today come from the active ingredients found in plants. This activity pack is aimed at primary age children. 

Secondary (12 – 18 years)

• Diagnosis: Kidnapped Game - online. In our imaginary scenario, scientists have been kidnapped and there’s not much time! Can you reconstruct their research in time to save them, and get their new malaria cure out for $1 a treatment? You’ll have to solve their clues and join the dots to solve this riddle. 

You can explore and learn more about public engagement projects created by our scientists in the Drug Discovery Unit on their website.