Scientific Inquiry and Investigation
The ability to observe natural phenomena systematically, ask questions, form hypotheses, conduct experiments, and draw conclusions using the scientific method. Includes using senses and tools to gather data, making predictions, and testing ideas through hands-on exploration.
What the research says
Referenced across 20 developmental frameworks: china_compulsory_science · chinese_3_6 · england_nc · eyfs · finnish_ecec · head_start_elof +14 more
Full quotes, source languages, and document links coming soon as we finish the source-evidence indexing pass.
Before this (5)
Required (1)
- Sustained FocusMin: developingMust be able to maintain attention on phenomena over time
Helpful (1)
- Descriptive VocabularyMin: developingHelps articulate observations clearly
Character (3)
How it's taught
Science teaching begins with careful observation of phenomena (Goethean phenomenology) before moving to explanation. Students observe natural processes (plant growth, weather, animal behavior) over time, recording changes through drawing and description. Teacher models patient, detailed observation.
Materials: Natural materials, living plants and animals, weather observation journals, drawing materials, magnifying glasses
What mastery looks like
Struggles to observe without immediately seeking explanation; attention wanders quickly
- Asks 'why' before fully observing what is happening
- Cannot describe what they see without adding interpretation
- Loses focus during observation activities
Begins to observe with purpose and can describe simple observations with adult support
- Uses senses to explore materials
- Provides simple descriptions of what they see
- Repeats scientific vocabulary offered by adults
- Asks 'what' questions
Makes detailed observations, asks questions, and begins to predict outcomes with guidance
- Uses observational tools like magnifying glasses
- Describes phenomena using adjectives and labels
- Makes simple predictions about what might happen
- Conducts simple experiments with adult support
- Asks 'why' and 'how' questions
Independently conducts investigations, forms hypotheses, and draws conclusions from observations
- Uses scientific method to explore and answer questions
- Makes detailed observations and records findings
- Tests predictions through experimentation
- Draws conclusions from multiple observations
- Uses scientific vocabulary appropriately
Designs complex investigations, evaluates methods, and connects findings to broader scientific concepts
- Independently designs multi-step experiments
- Evaluates reliability of findings
- Modifies investigations based on results
- Connects observations to scientific principles
- Presents research findings to others
Formal assessments
No matching assessment items indexed yet.
Standardised assessment view
1 instrument measure this construct. The construct page shows how each one approaches it and at what age range.
View as assessment construct →