Many teachers seem to have followed the "dunking theory." That is, they dunk their children in a variety of investigations and hope that through their practical work they will absorb a thorough understanding of enquiry skills. Children seem to have quite a good natural waterproof coating when it comes to absorbing scientific skills through…

Desribes teaching investigations at key stages 2 and 3. Includes two activities used to develop understanding in scientific inquiry. (SAH)

Suggests using everyday examples to help students describe the relationships that emerge from the evidence displayed on line graphs during science investigations. (WRM)

Discusses ways for teachers to help science students understand what makes a good description of a problem in a scientific investigation. (WRM)

Defines six types of investigations: (1) classifying and identifying; (2) fair testing; (3) pattern seeking; (4) exploring; (5) investigating models; and (6) making things or developing systems. Challenges the dominance of fair testing in school science investigations. (Author/WRM)

Discusses ways for teachers to help students understand how to ask questions appropriate for scientific inquiry. (WRM)

The fair test is predominately used by primary teachers participating in a science-education project with King's College London. Debates whether this level of use of fair test investigations is appropriate. (DDR)