Within social science research the complex nature of relationship-making and 'friendship as method' has gained enthusiasm. However, there is still a significant lack of research on 'friendship as method' with children and young people in participatory studies. Drawing on empirical case studies, we ask: how does 'friendship as method' work in…

Citizen science is a promising field for research in climate change. It has also been recognised with great potential in the field of climate change education, especially in the increase of scientific knowledge and science process skills. The study aims to examine the contributions of citizen science to learning outcomes regarding climate change…

In this article, the authors share how a third-grade teacher supported students in crafting and researching their own inquiry questions using a process known as the Question Formulation Technique to scaffold students' development of supporting questions. Hughes and Heckart provide the reader with suggestions and resources for supporting…

This study was conducted within the framework of the cultural historical activity theory (CHAT), focusing on tripartite collaborations among university teachers, practice teachers, and student teachers. Change Laboratory workshops were held, where participants discussed what enables and what constrains student teachers to accomplish their…

Understanding how and why science works is a major goal of science education. The aim of this article is to analyze the influence of a research experience in real science contexts, in the thinking and practice of preservice elementary teachers regarding inquiry and nature of science teaching. An in-depth case study which highlights the affordances…

The increasing use of digital devices by young children, has led to calls for earlier teaching for information literacy. However, some research indicates reluctance to do this, due to perceived limitations of young children and notions about what is and is not 'appropriate' for them learn. This study examines this proposition, through analysis of…

The use of multi-sensory data collection tools with children in special and inclusive education is increasing in popularity. Many studies in this area have highlighted the potential for photography, drawings and other visual data collection methods to capture children's perspectives on inclusive practice. However, these tools are likely to be less…

How do students make sense of sources encountered during online inquiry, when the source types can be as varied as the topics themselves? This paper presents findings from a multiple-case study exploring how four 8th grade students evaluated source credibility while engaged in independent research during an inquiry-based information literacy…

This multiple case study explored how elementary school teachers use technology, especially for generative science learning, and why they use it the way they do. Data were collected through qualitative methods (interviews and observations) from seven elementary school teachers. The results showed that the participant teachers used technology…

In this study, it was investigated whether the Research Skills Teaching Program (RSTP) prepared for elementary school 4th grade students was effective in imparting the sub-skills required for conducting the research process to students. To this end, pretest-posttest control group design; one of the quasi-experimental designs; was employed. The…

Purpose: The study aims to understand what learning is evidenced regarding knowledge about the teaching of mathematics by five primary teachers when they reflect on research lessons. To do so, we used situations from the formal and informal reflection sessions that took place after teaching four research lessons. Design/methodology/approach: It is…

Throughout the country, there are many bodies of fresh water affected by algal blooms. By focusing on a water source near their school, students can become scientists, too. Situating science content in real and meaningful learning experiences encourages students to be invested in their own learning, construct deeper understandings, and apply those…

A third-grade educator and university researcher collaborated to develop an after-school virtual book club curriculum for students during the pandemic. Third-grade students were encouraged to explore social justice issues prevalent in their community first by reading relevant children's books, doing research, and collaborating to develop potential…

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of practice-based STEM instruction on the development of younger students' research abilities and the improvement of their analytical skills. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used in this study. There were 72 participants in the 4th grade from the elementary school "Zhas…

One of the most important qualities of learners is the ability to conduct research. Students who grasp this subject acquire critical thinking abilities, which will eventually help them to function a valuable human being in the future. Proficiency in doing research is a prerequisite for academic achievement. The purpose of this study is to assess…