IAP seeks to reform and develop science education on a global scale, especially in primary and secondary schools, with a pedagogy based on inquiry (Inquiry-based Science Education, IBSE).

IBSE provides opportunities for students to see how well their ideas work in authentic situations rather than in abstract discussions. Students build knowledge through testing ideas, discussing their understanding with teachers and their peers, and through interacting with scientific phenomena.

Practical activity, involving a direct contact with reality, is an essential ingredient of IBSE, as the hands-on approach, combined with a ‘minds-on’ engagement, helps to develop a better understanding of scientific concepts and, even more important, of the nature of scientific reasoning. IAP supports a global action towards IBSE development, in order to foster exchanges and communication between a number of national or regional pilot projects. IAP supports and encourages these projects with specific support and especially through the involvement of its academy members.

The IAP Science Education Programme (SEP) is led by a Global Council of experts chaired by Wafa Skalli (Morocco), which defines and implements the annual activities of the SEP on global and regional scales.

An overview of the SEP activities implemented from 2001-2007 can be found here and from 2008-2013 here.