Open-ended Investigations in Science: a Case Study of Primary 6 Pupils

The purpose of this study was to find out (a) how pupils approach and carry out open-ended investigations, and (b) the difficulties that they face when carrying out such investigations. The study was conducted in a class of 39 primary six pupils of mixed ability who carried out four investigations. Data were based on pupil’s questions, planning sheets and written reports, observations, field notes, and videotapes of pupils performing the investigations. The pupils were able to carry out the investigations with some success. However, their performance was hampered by the inability to identify prior conceptual knowledge relevant to the problem, a lack of planning, failure to control variables and repeat measurements, inadequate interpretation and presentation of findings, and little critical reflection and self-evaluation of their performance. Suggestions for helping teachers facilitate open-ended investigations are proposed, and implications for teaching are discussed.