Towards understanding creativity in science investigative planning

This research exercise explored evidence of student creativity in planning science investigations. The study involved 88 Year 3 to Year 6 (age eight to II) students in the written planning of eight fair-testing type investigations. On the basis of the student responses, evidence of student creativity was identified and themes generated as to common aspects of creative expression in planning fair-testing type scientific investigations. Based on these themes, a rubric for identifying and fostering the further development of creative capabilities in science investigations was developed This rubric was then applied to student responses to the eight investigations and the frequency and level of creativity was identified. Based on these data, general trends were identified regarding the expression of creativity amongst students. Finally, based on the findings of this study, implications for teachers in promoting creative processes in scientific investigations for students are considered.