We decided to tackle this problem by
developing a course in inquiry-based science for
students training to become primary school teachers.
The emphasis of the course is in increasing student’s
own personal experience of inquiry-based science.
The course contains a number of varied and
interesting inquiry-based activities in which students
are expected to participate and complete (TABLE 1).
We feel that these activities more effectively teach
students about inquiry than traditional lecturing.
While completing these inquiry-based
activities students gained practice in using science
process skills, and gained an understanding of how
scientific investigations are conducted. The unique
structure of the course means it could easily be
adapted to teach scientific investigation skills to
students from a variety of scientific disciplines and
not only those planning a teaching career.