5 Science Lessons Hidden In National Day Activities

National Day is just around the corner, and that means Singapore will be bursting with colour, energy, and pride. You’ll start to see red and white flags hanging from balconies, banners along the roads, and maybe even a few fireworks shows lighting up the night sky in various heartland neighbourhoods. Whether you're heading out with your family or tuning in from home, there's always something exciting to look forward to.

Of course, the highlight for many is the National Day Parade (NDP). With its dazzling fireworks, military displays, creative performances, and joyful crowds waving mini flags, it’s a celebration and a reminder of what it means to be Singaporean. But beyond the fanfare and festivities, did you know there are actually many science lessons hidden in these activities, too? If you look closely, you’ll see science everywhere, from the way fireworks explode in the sky to how drones fly in synchronised patterns. Let’s take a look at five science lessons you can spot during National Day.

1. Fireworks and chemistry in action

It wouldn’t be National Day without fireworks. Those colourful bursts in the sky aren’t just beautiful; they’re a perfect example of chemical reactions at work. Each firework contains a mix of chemicals called “pyrotechnic stars”. When ignited, these stars undergo combustion, producing heat, light, sound and those stunning colours.

Different metal compounds produce different colours. For example, strontium gives you red, barium produces green, and copper creates blue. This is something you might cover when you’re learning about chemical changes and elements during sec 1 science tuition. The next time you’re watching fireworks, try to identify the colours and link them to the metals behind the display!

2. Physics behind the flypast

One of the crowd favourites during the NDP is the RSAF flypast. Whether it’s fighter jets zooming across the sky or helicopters carrying the giant Singapore flag, the entire show is a lesson in physics. Think about how those jets can stay in the air, move at high speeds, and even change direction with such precision.

These aircraft rely on the principles of thrust, lift, drag, and gravity. Thrust propels the jet forward, while lift counters gravity to keep it in the air. All these forces have to be perfectly balanced. If you’re attending a science tuition class in Singapore, these are the same forces you might study in topics like forces and motion. Observing the flypast in real life helps bring those textbook concepts to life.

3. Sound  and vibrations in the performances

National Day performances are known for their high energy, with drums, dance, and cheers filling the stadium. But have you ever stopped to think about the science behind sound? Sound is created when an object vibrates, causing the air particles around it to move and travel to our ears.

Different instruments create different types of vibrations, which produce varying pitches and volumes. For example, a bass drum has a deep, low sound because it vibrates slowly, while a piccolo produces high-pitched sounds due to faster vibrations. Understanding how sound waves travel and how frequency affects pitch is part of the physics curriculum you’ll encounter in lower secondary science.

4. Engineering and design of the floats

Every year, the parade features stunning floats and props that represent different themes, from community spirit to technological progress. Behind every float is a team of designers and engineers applying principles of design and mechanics.

To build a float that moves smoothly, doesn't topple over, and can carry displays or people, you need to understand stability, balance, and weight distribution. Some floats even incorporate simple machines like pulleys or gears to create movement. These are concepts covered in both primary and secondary science lessons, especially when exploring how machines make work easier.

If you're curious to try something similar at home, there are many DIY light experiments for kids to try that explore basic engineering principles using everyday materials.

5. Biology of the human spirit

Okay, this one might sound surprising, but there’s a science angle to human performance, too. Think about the athletes, dancers, and military personnel involved in the parade. The stamina and coordination they show is a result of the amazing way our bodies work.

Biology explains how our muscles contract and expand, how oxygen travels through our bloodstream, and how our nervous system controls movement. A dancer's ability to perform with grace and precision depends on muscular strength, reflexes, and training, all of which can be better understood through human biology.

During science tuition, you’ll begin to learn more about cells, body systems, and how everything works together to keep us moving. Watching these performances in action makes all those classroom topics feel much more real.

Conclusion

National Day may be a time for celebration, but it’s also full of hidden learning moments. From the spark of a firework to the power of a fighter jet, science plays a huge role in making the day unforgettable. And the best part? You can use what you’ve learned during National Day to better understand your science topics in school.

At Heuristics Science, we believe that science is everywhere, and it should be experienced, not just memorised. Our primary and secondary science tuition in Singapore focuses on practical applications, guided practice, and our unique TCR Answering Technique to help students build a deeper understanding of science. Whether you're in upper primary or preparing for secondary school science, we’re here to make every lesson feel relevant and engaging.