In most primary science classes, students are taught science skills by way of learning by doing. Research shows that explicit instruction may be more effective. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of explicit instruction in an inquiry-based learning setting on the acquisition of science …

The research in this dissertation aims to investigate the acquisition of students’ science skills in grades 5 and 6 of primary education in the Netherlands. In most primary science classes, science skills are mainly taught by way of conducting investigations. However, prior research indicates that explicit …

Background: With the increased attention on implementing inquiry activities in primary science classrooms, a growing interest has emerged in assessing students’ science skills. Research has been concerned with the limitations and advantages of different test formats to assess students’ science skills. …