Int. J. Mobile Learning and Organisation, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2021 1 Copyright © 2021 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. An exploration of inquiry-based authentic learning enabled by mobile technology for primary science Wing Kei Yeung and Daner Sun* Department of Mathematics and Information Technology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China Email: vickykei921@gmail.com Email: dsun@eduhk.hk *Corresponding author Abstract: The rapid development of mobile technologies has been shown to assist in science learning, but more research is needed on the pedagogical integration of such technologies into authentic learning in a formal science curriculum. Thus, we conducted a study on exploring the impact of a learning platform nQuire-it together with its scientific mobile sensors in an authentic and inquiry-based learning environment on students’ science learning. To examine the effectiveness of this learning platform and its mobile sensors, a mixed methods study was conducted for analysing students’ performance in science inquiry, conceptual understanding and ability to connect content knowledge with daily life experiences. The results suggested that the learning platform together with scientific mobile sensors supported students’ authentic science learning in following dimensions: academic performance, learning motivation, interest in learning and ability to link knowledge gained in and outside the classroom. Keywords: nQuire-it; science inquiry; authentic learning; mobile learning. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Yeung, W.K. and Sun, D. (2021) ‘An exploration of inquiry-based authentic learning enabled by mobile technology for primary science’, Int. J. Mobile Learning and Organisation, Vol. 15, No. 1, pp.1–28. Biographical notes: Wing Kei Yeung is a Research Assistant at Department of Mathematics and Information Technology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Her research interests are STEM education, ICT-supported learning and mobile learning. Daner Sun is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Her research interests include ICT-supported curriculum development, ICT-facilitated science/STEM learning, mobile learning and teacher professional development. This paper is a revised and expanded version of a paper entitled ‘nQuire-it: Engaging Students in Authentic Inquiry Learning’ presented at the ‘22nd Global Chinese Conference on Computers in Education (GCCCE 2018)’, Guangzhou, China, 25–29 May 2018.