Practical Work in Secondary Science: A Minds-On Approach

This is a comprehensive guide to the theory and practice of teaching minds-on practical work in secondary science. Practical work is an essential feature of science education. Questions have however been raised by some science educators about its effectiveness as a teaching and learning strategy. This book considers the effectiveness of practical work and suggests that, as currently practised, it is essentially a 'hands-on', rather than 'minds-on' activity. Whilst such an approach is generally effective in getting pupils to do things with objects and materials, it is relatively ineffective in developing their conceptual understanding of the associated scientific ideas and concepts. Ian Abrahams wishes to redress this and provides guidance to all aspiring and experienced secondary science professionals for making practical work - in biology, chemistry and physics - a 'minds-on' as well as a hands-on experience for their students. It will be of value to those on M-level secondary science PGCE programmes, as well as those undertaking postgraduate level research.