Practical work has been part of science education for just over 100 years and is accepted as an essential and exciting part of understanding this discipline. Although it can be costly and sometimes messy, it simply has to be done if students and teachers are to progress in their understanding. Schools and universities invest millions of pounds in it and the National Curriculum reveres it - but what exactly is going on in classrooms around the country and how are the leading practitioners moving with the times? This book attempts to reflect on the value and purpose of practical work as part of the scientific curriculum. Why are practical exercises so necessary and what do they contribute to the learning process? The chapters examine many issues such as: * how practical work is perceived by students and teachers * whether we will move on to the 'virtual lab' * the limitations of current 'hands-on' work and valuable alternatives to it * the connections between practical work in science education and 'authentic' science * what role experimentation plays in current educational practice. Jerry Wellington is Reader in Education at Sheffield University, and has taught science at all academic levels.

By bringing together the latest insights and research findings, this book provides a re-affirmation of the importance of practical activity in science and advocates the need for students to engage in practical tasks in which practical activity, creativity and commitment interact.

School Science Practical Work in Africa presents the scope of research and practice of science practical work in African schools. It brings together prominent science educators and researchers from Africa to share their experience and findings on pedagogical innovations and research-informed practices on school science practical work. The book highlights trends and patterns in the enactment and role of practical work across African countries. Practical work is regarded as intrinsic to science teaching and learning and the form of practical work that is strongly advocated is inquiry-based learning, which signals a definite paradigm shift from the traditional teacher-dominated to a learner-centered approach. The book provides empirical research on approaches to practical work, contextual factors in the enactment of practical work, and professional development in teaching practical work. This book will be of great interest to academics, researchers and post-graduate students in the fields of science education and educational policy.

A comprehensive guide To The theory and practice of teaching minds-on practical work in secondary science.

This book reviews the major science curriculum developments and the present position of practical work in secondary schools.

Enhancing Learning with Effective Practical Science begins with an exploration of the reasons why practical work is often less effective than it could be. It provides 72 full and clear lesson guides for effective practical lessons in biology, chemistry and physics for students aged between 11 and 16. Each lesson guide presents the practical work to be undertaken, the apparatus and materials required and the ideas to be explored. Health and safety issues are also covered. Essential reading for trainee science teachers, and practising teachers looking to enhance their teaching through effective use of practical work, especially if teaching outside their science specialism.