One of the factors that facilitate the understanding of Science is through laboratory activities or “hands-on” activities. The students improve their making inference and drawing skills through this activity. When they acquire these skills, they will easily understand important relationships, processes, mechanisms and concepts. The learners ability to explain, analyze and interpret scientific processes and phenomena will be developed.

      It has been noticed by some researchers, that teachers give more time in the use of equipment rather than explore on the concept and the research skills. These skills are beneficial to the students both inside and outside the science laboratory rooms.

      Since science is a delicate yet challenging topic, especially while conducting an experiment. The content and steps of the activity should develop the students critical thinking skills and through perceptual modalities. These can be attained through experimentation activities.

      Laboratory skills can be acquired through hands on and minds an approach since learner learn effectively when they are actively engaged in discovery process. These skills can be developed and acquired through problem-solving and laboratory activities. This will also lead to positive attitude and increased scientific literacy.

      Critical to understanding science concepts is the use of science inquiry to develop explanations of natural phenomena. Therefore it is recommended that students should have an opportunity to their skills of mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry and at the same time engineering design through listening, laboratory experiments on regular basis. Active science research will nurture students curiosity and develop positive attitudes and skills towards science which will last a life time.

      Kahan (2000) stressed that developing scientific thinking in students is important for a solid science education. To learn how to listen and to think scientifically, students need frequent opportunities to practice science process skills especially the laboratory skills. Through these, students can express their observations more precisely and communicate information clearly on what they have intend to and observed.

Reference:

      http://www.emse.nysed.gov/ciai/ 

By: NANCY P. MACARAIG | TEACHER III | LUAKAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL