It is proposed to conduct a survey of junior secondary schools in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Guyana to ascertain typical levels of cognitive development, in Piagetian terms, in different types of schools and localities. The object of the survey is to provide accurate data on levels of concept development which may be used in the preparation and modification of science curricula throughout the secondary school system in the Caribbean.

A method for the analysis of a science curriculum for the levels of cognitive demand that it makes, in Piagetian terms, is described. Examples of the detailed application of this method to the West Indian Science Curriculum are given, and a summary of the demand levels of the whole curriculum presented. A check on the validity of the method of analysis is made both by looking at inter-rater reliability, and also by testing the predictions of success and failure made on the basis of the curriculum analysis combined with pupil assessments.