Practical work in secondary science - a minds-on approach
Practical work is an essential feature of secondary science education. However, questions have been raised by some science educators about its effectiveness as a teaching and learning strategy. Whilst such an approach is generally effective in getting pupils to do things with objects and materials, it is seen as relatively ineffective in developing their conceptual understanding of the associated scientific ideas and concepts. Ian Abrahams argues that this is because it is practical as a 'hands-on' rather than 'minds-on' activity.
In this book, he draws together theory and practice on effective teaching and learning in practical work in science and provides clear guidance to ensure that students are encouraged and supported to be 'minds-on' as well as 'hands-on' to make the most of this learning experience.
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Please be aware that resources have been published on the website in the form that they were originally supplied. This means that procedures reflect general practice and standards applicable at the time resources were produced and cannot be assumed to be acceptable today. Website users are fully responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is in accordance with current regulations related to health and safety and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.
