Systematic processes in investigative planning in science

This research exercise explored evidence of student procedural understanding in planning science investigations. The study involved 88 Year 3 - 6 (age range 8 - 11 years) students in the planning of eight fair-test type investigations. Seven of the Diet Cola Test (DCT) criteria were used to analyze students' procedural skills in planning. Analysis indicated that students, across all age groups, showed very poor understanding of the procedural skills necessary to systematically plan investigations in six of the seven DCT criteria assessed. Implications and suggestions for teachers are given to assist in student development of procedural understanding in planning science investigations.