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MAST Hotline, Winter 2007

From: America's Lab Report: Investigations in High School Science Laboratories: Role and Vision

Among other education concerns, the effectiveness of science laboratory classes in schools has been questioned. The National Research Council was asked by the National Science Foundation to examine the current status and provide suggestions for laboratory classes in the future. The NRC committee came up with seven conclusions, the first being: no precise decisions were reached on how to best teach in science laboratories. However, with students involved in many lab experiences, the possibility exists that they may understand the relationship between research and theories that can challenge them, allowing students to better understand the scientific process.

Several goals of laboratory experiences were listed by the committee: enhancing mastery of subject matter, developing scientific reasoning, understanding the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, developing practical skills, understanding the nature of science, cultivating interest in science and interest in learning science, and developing teamwork abilities.

Investigations are now proceeding on how to sequence science instruction, and lab experiences, to support science learning, such as: stating a research question, making observations, performing experiments, analyzing data, constructing scientific arguments and explanations.

The phrase "integrated instructional units" was proposed to describe these sequences of instruction.

The second conclusion outlines four principles of instructional design that can help laboratory experiences achieve their intended learning goals if: they are designed with clear outcomes in mind, they are thoughtfully sequenced into the science instruction, they are designed to integrate learning of science content with learning the processes of science, and they incorporate ongoing student reflection and discussion.

'Conclusion 4: Improving high school science teachers' capacity to lead laboratory experiences effectively is critical to advancing the educational goals of these experiences..'

The NRC committee concluded that laboratory experiences have the potential to help students attain several learning goals, including mastery of science subject matter, increased interest in science, and development of scientific reading skills. That potential is not being realized today.

Singer, Susan R., Hilton, Margaret L., and Schweingruber, Heidi A., Editors . America 's Lab Report: Investigations in High School Science Laboratories: Role and Vision, National Research Council (NRC). National Academies Press, 2005.