Abstract A diagnostic study is presented of the prior experiences, conceptions, and
pedagogical valuations of prospective primary teachers (PPTs) about experimental
activities (ExA’s) in science education. The participants were 121 PPTs who, in small
teams, responded to various questions related to ExA. Their responses were analysed
interpretively with inter- and intra-rater analysis methods. Low-inference descriptors
were used to guarantee objectivity. The results showed the PPTs to hold conceptions
and pedagogical valuations that were in general quite clearly aligned with the traditional
approaches to ExA (absence of an inquiry-based approach, prevalence of
conceptual learning, systematic implementation of a cookbook-based approach, etc.).
The implications deriving from the results are discussed, with the ultimate aim being to
contribute to the development of a well-founded teacher education plan including the
routine integration of ExA into primary science education.