This study describes the processes involved in the development and statistical validation of a primary science curriculum delivery evaluation instrument, the Science Curriculum Implementation Questionnaire (SCIQ), used to identify factors influencing science programme delivery at the classroom and school level. The study begins by exploring the themes generated from several qualitative studies in the New Zealand context pertaining to the phenomenon of primary science delivery. Building on the findings from the qualitative studies, quantitative procedures used to develop and validate both a five-scale, 35-item SCIQ and a seven-scale, 49-item SCIQ are presented. Finally, current applications of the seven-scale, 49-item SCIQ as a foundation for data collection, staff discussion and collaborative decision-making for the purpose of primary science delivery are briefly discussed.