ABSTRACT
The process of learning science involves the development and change in the ideas that individuals hold. In Graham Lowe short-term planning, he worked out what both he and the children would do, considered some of the questions he would pose and prepared himself with information about the ideas children might have and with suggestions for activities from sources such as the Rocks, Soil and Weather Teachers' Guide of Nuffield Primary Science. D. Christie, like Lisa, found that using worksheets was not helpful in exploring children's ideas and helping their planning. In some investigations, drawing would help to focus observation, requiring children to move between the representation and the real things, refining their identification of differences. The provision of precise instructions removes the opportunity for children to investigate and think out for themselves how to make a parachute. More investigations planned by the children would give them the chance to review their work critically and to improve their future enquiries.
