A modern approach to improving education uses the components of experimental scientific research practices based on objective data, dissemination of results, and the use of modern technologies. STEM education research is maturing and new tools and analysis techniques become available. As one example, eye tracking, the recording of persons’ eye movements, has been growing in popularity as it enables researchers to study learning materials’ effectiveness, problem solving, and even students’ approaches during experimentation. Eye movements, as captured using eye tracking, can reveal information about a student's attention and cognition on a process level, going well beyond classical product-based assessment techniques such as questionnaires or tests.

Teaching Primary Science Constructively helps readers to create effective science learning experiences for primary students by using a constructivist approach to learning. This best-selling text explains the principles of constructivism and their implications for learning and teaching, and discusses core strategies for developing science understanding and science inquiry processes and skills. Chapters also provide research-based ideas for implementing a constructivist approach within a number of content strands. Throughout there are strong links to the key ideas, themes and terminology of the revised Australian Curriculum: Science. This sixth edition includes a new introductory chapter addressing readers' preconceptions and concerns about teaching primary science.