Looking for ideas: observation, interpretation and hypothesis-making by 12-year-old pupils undertaking science investigations

As part of a study of the effect of an extended period of observation on pu pils' interpretation and hypothesis-making, pupils from four English compre hensive secondary schools were studied while undertaking science investigat ions. Four groups of 12-year-old pupils observed a bottle ecosystem of brin e shrimps without any prior instruction. Pupils kept their own diary, drawi ng and writing down their observations and thoughts. Analysis of tape-recor ded observations and written diaries was carried out assigning statements t o categories that were established after repeated reading of the transcript s and texts. Pupil observations were based largely on structural and behavi oural features. Pupils spontaneously raised questions and answered them fro m their experience with the animals. Personal constructs and hypotheses eme rged. The results indicate that pupils not only notice, from their own undi rected observations, salient anatomical and behavioural features but that s ustained observations may provide a base for clearer hypothesis making when formal teaching and investigations begin.