Experimental procedures, tests of hypotheses and transfer in the field of sciences at the primary school level.
Yves FLANDÉ, 2000

The aim of the work is to study the possibilities and difficulties encountered by pupils (9 to 11 years old) confronted to the generalisation of hypotheses within the framework of an investigation approach. It deals with teaching aids helping to acquire and even transfer to capabilities brought into play in two classes concerned i.e. 4th and 5th grades.
The first part of the research work states the various researches in the fields of epistemology, psychology, general education and educational software. It also underlines the questions from which to reduce the requirements to be met with during the learning periods.
A second part describes four teaching units on four different subjects. In the course of their investigation approach, pupils have to bring forward hypotheses relates to the suppose dependence of the phenomenon upon one or more factors. They also have to plan the tests (it is required that each hypothesis  must be tested with at least two conditions assigned to the factor) to draw up the procedures, assess the results of the measures carried out and finally infer conclusions about the dependence of one factor upon another.
The third part brings together the various data (minutes of the group sessions, individual or group proposal in a written form by pupils, individual assessments) collected during the learning periods. It stresses the interest of the procedures and analyses put forward and focuses on types of difficulties that pupils come across. It analyses the impact of the teaching aids offered in order to acquire methodological capabilities and how such aids can be used in other studies. It also assesses the evolution of each individual pupil as well as that the two classes, over the last two school years. It also emphasises the role of the teachers in the way they manage the class ( how activities are planned out, situations proposed, techniques brought in and debates dealt with ...)