Science Lab Experiments: Understanding Their Role in Childhood Education
Science is the study of facts. At the same time, science is also about discovering the world around us, of knowing things, and having new and wonderful idea. It is against this very definition of science that most educators believe that scientific learning that takes place in classrooms alone is not true learning. For fostering scientific learning in early childhood, active, hands-on learning is very important. And this can best be achieved through science lab experiments.
Science lab experiments promote the development of scientific thinking in students. Rather than making the kids memorize the facts, they are made to think and understand things and the world around them. Science lab experiments allow students to ask questions, probe for answers, conduct investigations, and collect data. They are engaged in the investigative nature of scientific learning. Children in fact do science in science labs than simply learning science through textbooks in classrooms.
Science experiments promote discovery and learning. Discovering new ideas is an integral part of learning science. It is something that teachers can’t give to students. Students themselves have to discover new ideas and concepts during their search for knowledge. In science school lab, children conduct experiments. They adopt alternatives, try to work out things in different areas and understand what works and what didn’t really work. Many a times, children work on wrong ideas. But it’s only when they work on the wrong ideas that they understand the real ideas in a much better manner.
In school science labs, children are viewed as active learners and not just passive recipients of knowledge. Children are given various opportunities to learn and experiment. Science experiments play a very crucial role in the on going intellectual development of children. In science laboratories, children get time, space, as well as resources to exercise their curiosity. They are given the freedom to engage in new explorations, experimentations, and explanations.
A lot schools are becoming aware of this productive aspect of science projects and experiments and are therefore incorporating them in their course curriculum. By investing in safe and high quality science lab equipment, schools can provide the most effective tools to their students for supporting constructive learning and fostering scientific thinking in students.
To buy top quality science lab equipment, browse the web. You could be preparing the next generation of scientists.