The Plague at Eyam is a script for pupils to explore the true story of the plague in the village of Eyam, in Derbyshire, in 1665. It provides a context to explore disease transmission and modern hygiene techniques for reducing the spread of disease.

The Discovery of Vaccines is a play based on the development of vaccines by Louis Pasteur.

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Both of these plays provide a KS3 context for pupils to consider development of science from a historical viewpoint. They could be used as the basis of cross-curricular work between Science, Drama and History departments as a Science Year event. You could incorporate talks from a local doctor and hospital pathology department to enhance the activity.

Role-plays often use techniques derived from drama, which may be adapted for use in teaching science. Role-play in science may be underrated and underused, often because of misconceptions about what role-play is and how it can be put to use in science education. Gabrielle McSharry and Sam Jones have explored the educational importance of role-play, considering the difficulties and advocating the possibilities in this article from School Science Review.