Enquiry Skills

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Science Enquiry, Subject Leader Support

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5-7, 7-9, 9-12

Definitions, examples and symbols of different types of science skills

Whichever curriculum your school follows, pupils should have the opportunity to carry out practical investigations in science that help them to develop their scientific skills.

Teachers in English primary schools may know these skills as working scientifically. Elsewhere, teachers may talk about enquiry skills or inquiry skills.

Learn more in our helpful enquiry skills guide below. You’ll also find downloadable enquiry skills poster, working scientifically wheel and individual symbols to ensure your class is ready for science exploration.

Develop science skills

See definitions and examples of enquiry skills that can be developed through scientific investigation

Here we introduce seven science skills which children (ages 5-12) develop through scientific investigation:
• asking questions
• making predictions
• setting up tests
• observing and measuring
• recording data
• interpreting and communicating results
• evaluating

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

Enquiry skills guide
Front page of enquiry skills

Download to display in your classroom or insert in pupils' notebooks

Skills poster

Enquiry Skills Poster

Poster displaying symbols and definitions of all enquiry skills

Download
Working scientifically wheel

Working Scientifically Wheel

Factor in planning, doing and reviewing when using enquiry skills

Download

Asking Questions

Ask questions that can be answered using a scientific enquiry

Download

Making Predictions

Use prior knowledge to suggest what will happen in an enquiry

Download

Setting Up Tests

Decide on the method and equipment to use to carry out an enquiry

Download

Observing & Measuring

Use senses and measuring equipment to make observations about the enquiry

Download

Recording Data

Use tables, drawings and other means to note observations and measurements

Download

Interpreting & Communicating Results

Use information from the data to say what you found out

Download

Evaluating

Reflect on the success of the enquiry approach and identify further questions for enquiry

Download

Download symbols only

Three question marks

Asking Questions

Ask questions that can be answered using a scientific enquiry

Download
Could icon with ellipses

Making Predictions

Use prior knowledge to suggest what will happen in an enquiry

Download
Icon science beaker

Setting Up Tests

Decide on the method and equipment to use to carry out an enquiry

Download
Magnifying glass

Observing & Measuring

Use senses and measuring equipment to make observations about the enquiry

Download
Icon of pen and paper

Recording Data

Use tables, drawings and other means to note observations and measurements

Download
Megaphone icon

Interpreting & Communicating Results

Use information from the data to say what you found out

Download
A cog icon with arrows rotating around it

Evaluating

Reflect on the success of the enquiry approach and identify further questions for enquiry

Download

Usage guidelines

PSTT has designed the following symbols (for consistency in their own resources) that could be displayed in your classroom to help children identify and recall the particular science skills they are using in their science investigations.

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 symbols (e.g. shadows)
  • Alter the colours
  • Change the symbols’ orientation
  • Add any text to the symbol
  • Add gradations

Collection of the icons

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 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.