Children personally construct explanations of natural phenomena, some of which differ from currently accepted scientific explanations. The replacement of personal explanations with scientific explanations, as well as the development of concrete, formal, and post-formal reasoning patterns, requires self-regulation in which alternative explanations…

Presents a philosophy for long term continuous observation of young children in order to study this intellectual development. A one year study of a class of 32 eight-and nine-year-old students was conducted. (SL)

Discusses the value of preserving wonder and curiosity as part of a child's intellectual growth and experience in elementary school science. Practical steps for handling students' wonder questions are identified, including children's knowledge, speculation and hypothesis, identification of possible inquiry methods, research, and sharing new…