The article presents the results of a comprehensive study (N = 497) among Slovene primary school teachers with the aim of examining practical work in Primary Science courses (age 9-11). The study examined the attitude towards practical work and obstacles. The aim was also to find out whether the level of socio-economic development impacts on attitudes and obstacles. The main obstacles to the implementation of practical work at class level are: lack of material support, oversized classes, poor spatial conditions and a need for assistants. Surprising results followed an analysis of differences in the development of the environment: primary school teachers from less developed regions show a more positive attitude towards practical work compared to those from more developed regions. In addition, obstacles are perceived similarly regardless of the socio-economic situation.

In Serbia alarmingly few Roma children go to school, and they perform far worse compared to their non-Roma peers. In this paper, effects of laboratory experiments on acquiring knowledge in Roma children were investigated. Pedagogical experiment with parallel groups was conducted with third-grade elementary Roma and non-Roma students. Both control and experimental groups attended lectures on topics related to environmental protection, and the experimental group also conducted laboratory experiments. After final testing, the experimental subgroup of Roma students exhibited better progress. Results indicate that engaging in students’ laboratory experiments is an adequate strategy of teaching Roma school children, and the raised interest in school subjects through practical work is a guarantee of their completing primary education.