5 Fun Science Crafts To Celebrate Racial Harmony Day

Racial Harmony Day falls this month, and it’s one of the most colourful and meaningful events on the school calendar in Singapore. It reminds us of the importance of respecting one another’s cultures and traditions and how our differences actually make our society stronger. In every primary school, students come together dressed in traditional outfits, enjoy festive foods, and take part in all kinds of activities that help them learn about one another. It’s always a fun and exciting day!

More than just a celebration, Racial Harmony Day is also a great time to reflect on how we can work and play together no matter our race or background. Friendship and teamwork can grow when we understand and appreciate each other, and what better way to do that than through science? Science brings people together, just like racial harmony. By doing science crafts together in class or at home, students can explore teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity while also celebrating diversity.

Here are five simple and fun science crafts that primary school students can try with their friends to celebrate Racial Harmony Day in a unique and educational way:

1. Unity lava lamps

Celebrate our vibrant cultural mix with a colourful homemade lava lamp. Just like how oil and water don’t mix but still look beautiful together, Singapore’s diversity is about being different but united.

You’ll need:

• A clear plastic bottle

• Water

• Cooking oil

• Food colouring

• Effervescent tablet (like Eno or Berocca)

Steps:

1. Fill the bottle 3/4 with oil and the rest with water.

2. Add a few drops of your favourite food colouring.

3. Drop in half a tablet and watch the bubbly magic begin!

Explain how the oil and water stay separate because they don’t mix, just like different cultures can keep their uniqueness while living in harmony.

2. Cultural shadow puppets

Explore light and shadow with traditional puppet storytelling from different cultures, such as Chinese shadow play or Indian leather puppetry. This activity lets students combine cultural learning with science.

You’ll need:

• Thick paper or cardboard

• Wooden sticks or chopsticks

• Scissors

• Torchlight

Steps:

1. Draw and cut out puppet characters that represent different cultural symbols (like a lion dance figure, a ketupat, or a peacock).

2. Stick them onto the wooden sticks.

3. Shine a torchlight against a wall and bring your puppets to life with a cultural story.

Talk about how light travels in straight lines and creates shadows when something blocks it. This activity is also great for storytelling in mother tongue languages!

3. Diversity density tower

Celebrate the idea that everyone is layered and unique with a DIY density tower. Different liquids have different densities, and when poured carefully, they form layers, just like how different cultures add richness to Singapore.

You’ll need:

• Clear glass or cup

• Honey

• Dish soap

• Water

• Cooking oil

• Rubbing alcohol

• Food colouring (optional)

Steps:

1. Carefully pour each liquid into the cup, one at a time, starting with the heaviest (honey).

2. Watch how they stack on top of one another without mixing.

Explain that each layer represents a different cultural contribution in Singapore, all unique yet part of the same “tower”.

4. Friendship slime

Slime is always a hit, and making it together is a fantastic way for classmates to bond. Add coloured glitter or beads that represent different cultural symbols or colours from different traditional clothes.

You’ll need:

• White glue

• Baking soda

• Contact lens solution

• Food colouring or glitter

Steps:

1. Mix glue and a few pinches of baking soda in a bowl.

2. Add food colouring or glitter to represent something meaningful to you.

3. Stir in contact lens solution slowly until it becomes stretchy slime.

Use this to talk about how different ingredients, like different people, work best when they come together!

5. Melting pot crayon art

Crayons of different colours melting together represent Singapore’s ‘melting pot’ society. This art piece is a fun way to explore heat and energy while also making something meaningful.

You’ll need:

• Crayons (broken pieces work best)

• Hairdryer

• Canvas board or cardboard

• Glue

Steps:

1. Glue the crayons along the top of the canvas.

2. Use a hairdryer to melt the crayons and watch the colours flow and blend.

Talk about how heat causes the solid crayons to change into liquid, just like how different cultures come together and flow into one unique Singapore identity. This is also a fun DIY light experiment opportunity when students use coloured torches to shine through the melted wax!

Science crafts are not just fun, but they help us think critically, ask questions, and work together. When paired with the spirit of Racial Harmony Day, these hands-on activities can spark conversations about culture, cooperation, and celebrating differences. Whether you're in Primary 3 or Primary 6, these ideas can bring your classroom to life with colour, curiosity, and collaboration.

And if you’re someone who enjoys learning science in interactive and meaningful ways, science tuition in Singapore doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, more and more tuition centres are incorporating hands-on experiments and discussions to help students enjoy science and do better in school. With science being part of PSLE, building a strong foundation early makes a huge difference, especially when it’s fun!

Conclusion

Racial Harmony Day is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your classmates, appreciate each other's cultures, and explore science in creative ways. When we combine fun activities with important values like unity and respect, learning becomes so much more meaningful. If you’re looking for even more engaging ways to understand science, Heuristics Science offers science tuition in Singapore. Through our specialised TCR Answering Technique, guided practice and practical applications, we help students grasp science concepts confidently and clearly. Celebrate curiosity, celebrate diversity – every day can be a day for discovery!