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Types of Enquiry

Science Enquiry, Subject Leader Support

5-7, 7-9, 9-12

Definitions, examples and symbols of different types of scientific enquiry

Give children the opportunity to carry out many different types of investigation throughout their science learning.

Some science topics lend themselves to particular types of enquiry; however, there is no rule about which type of enquiry is best suited to each science topic your school’s curriculum follows. Enquiry types can be a tool for teachers to ensure children get the most from their science classes.

Learn more in our helpful types of enquiry guide below. You’ll also find a downloadable poster and individual symbols to support your science planning.

Vary your science investigations

See definitions and explanations of different types of enquiry

Here we introduce six different types of enquiry approaches that children may use to find out answers to investigable questions:

comparative / fair testing
research
observation over time
pattern seeking
identifying, grouping and classifying
problem solving

This guide explains each enquiry approach and offers suggestions for using them in your lessons.

Types of enquiry guide

Enquiry approaches poster

Download types of enquiry poster and symbols

Types of Enquiry Poster

Poster displaying symbols and definitions of all types of enquiry

Download

Comparative/Fair Testing

Change one variable to see its effect on another, whilst keeping all others the same

Download

Research

Use secondary sources of information to answer scientific questions

Download

Observation Over Time

Observe changes that occur over a period of time ranging from minutes to months

Download

Pattern-Seeking

Identify patterns and look for relationships in enquiries where variables are difficult to control

Download

Identifying, Grouping & Classifying

Make observations to name, sort and organise items

Download

Problem-Solving

Apply prior scientific knowledge to find answers to problems

Download

Download symbols only

Comparative/Fair Testing

Change one variable to see its effect on another, whilst keeping all others the same

Download

An icon of a book

Research

Use secondary sources of information to answer scientific questions

Download

Observation Over Time

Observe changes that occur over a period of time ranging from minutes to months

Download

Icon of a bar chart

Pattern-Seeking

Identify patterns and look for relationships in enquiries where variables are difficult to control

Download

Two circles overlapping

Identifying, Grouping & Classifying

Make observations to name, sort and organise items

Download

A head with cogs

Problem-Solving

Apply prior scientific knowledge to find answers to problems

Download

Usage guidelines

PSTT has designed the following symbols (for consistency in their own resources) that could be displayed in your classroom or staffroom to help introduce different types of enquiry approaches to science learning.

These symbols are ©Primary Science Teaching Trust 2019 but may be freely used by teachers in schools for educational purposes, subject to the source being credited.

When using symbols, please do not:

Re-scale or warp, shear or otherwise alter or distort the proportions of any original artwork
Add any visual effects to the symbols (e.g. shadows)
Alter the colours
Change the symbols’ orientation
Add any text to the symbol
Add gradations

Safety Notice & Disclaimer

The PSTT advises teachers to refer to either the CLEAPSS website or SSERC website for up to date health and safety information when planning any practical activities for children.

The PSTT is not liable for the actions or activities of any reader or anyone else who uses the information in these resource pages or the associated classroom materials. The PSTT assumes no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information contained in these resources. The PSTT recommends that a full risk assessment is carried out before undertaking in the classroom any of the practical investigations contained in the resources.

All materials are ©Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) and are freely available to download and share for educational purposes. Whilst educators are free to adapt the resources to suit their own needs, acknowledgement of copyright on all original materials must be included. Rights to images included in the resource have been purchased for PSTT use only – as such, these images may only be used as part of this resource and may not copied into or used in other materials.