Background to the pilot study A project had already been undertaken using the verbal behaviour analysis (VBA) framework
(Box 1) in schools with the aim of increasing engagement and collaboration between the
business sector, curriculum developers and partnership schools. This project resulted in the creation of a set of practical resources/models for schools to use in training teachers and children about VBA in science activities. Four Smart Science (www.smart-science.co.uk) activities were adapted so that each main behaviour category (initiating, reacting, clarifying and
process control – see Box 1) could be explored