Pri-Sci-Net - a project promoting inquiry-based learning in primary science : experiences of young children inquiring

Abstract

The project Pri-Sci-Net has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7 2007 /13) under grant agreement No.266647. Any opinion expressed is solely of the authors and does not reflect that held by the European Commission. ; One of the challenges of Science Education in the 21st century is that of engaging learners in meaningful learning. Learning science from books does not equip them with the skills and competences necessary to become scientists. The European Commission has recognized this challenge and advocated inquiry-based learning as the main pedagogy to be adopted for teaching science. This paper presents the work in progress of the FP7 project Pri-Sci-Net which aims to promote inquirybased learning approaches at primary level of education with children from age 3-11 years across Europe. There needs to be a shared understanding among teachers of inquiry with reference to young children, and consequently identifying the required pedagogical skills. In addition, teachers needresources which they can gain through sharing their experiences with other teachers. The paper puts forward a vision for inquiry-based learning, highlights the need for the training teachers, and explores the potential of a virtual platform which can promote CPD for the use of IBSE among teachers. ; peer-reviewed