As this lack of interest could result in fewer individuals qualified for scientific careers and a population
unprepared to engage with scientific societal issues, it is imperative to investigate ways in which
interest in school science can be increased. Studies have suggested that inquiry learning is one
way to increase interest in science. Inquiry learning forms the core of the primary syllabus in
Singapore; as such, we examine how inquiry practices may shape students’ perceptions of science
and school science. This study investigates how classroom inquiry activities relate to students’
interest in school science. Data were collected from 425 grade 4 students who responded to a
questionnaire and 27 students who participated in follow-up focus group interviews conducted in
14 classrooms in Singapore. Results indicate that students have a high interest in science class.
Additionally, self-efficacy and leisure-time science activities, but not gender, were significantly
associated with an increased interest in school science. Interestingly, while hands-on activities are
viewed as fun and interesting, connecting learning to real-life and discussing ideas with their
peers had a greater relation to student interest in school science. These findings suggest that
inquiry learning can increase Singaporean students’ interest in school science; however, simply
engaging students in hands-on activities is insufficient. Instead, student interest may be increased
by ensuring that classroom activities emphasize the everyday applications of science and allow for
peer discussion.