The module ?Electromagnetic properties of Materials? was designed within the context of the Materials Science Project. The structure and content of the module was the outcome of a partnership between teachers of secondary education and researchers from the Learning in Science Group, at the University of Cyprus. The subject selection was based on the increasing technological demands for applications of Electromagnetism (such as MRI imaging in medicine and magnetic levitation trains in transport) and the student?s difficulty to understand fundamental concepts of Electromagnetism. The sequence and content of the teaching and learning activities comprising the module follows principles of guided inquiry learning with added elements such as problem solving and technological design. The module was implemented for the first time in a summer camp with high school students. The revised version was implemented with pre-service teachers and two high school classes. Data were collected through systematic classroom observations, diagnostic and post-intervention tests, as well as the artefacts that students prepared as part of their coursework. The preliminary analysis indicates enhanced constructive student cooperation and improved performance regarding the learning objectives. These results are discussed in the light of participative design as a process for effective coordination of curriculum innovation and research-informed classroom practice.