Skinner and Cowan analyzed
projects from students who had previously
completed an open-ended practical
investigation as part of their science
education unit. The projects were designed
to give students experience in methods used
by scientists, encourage the use of good
thinking and team work, and model a
constructivist methodology in which deep
conceptual learning is encouraged. It was
hoped these investigations would increase
student confidence in learning science and in
turn, encourage the future teachers to
implement such activities in their
classrooms.