Practical Work In Science

Practical work in Science: promoting the learning of science ideas and inquiry.

Introduction
Practical work has an essential role in promoting young people’s learning in science. It provides a "hands-on" experience and prompts them to think about the world around us (https://royalsociety.org/~/media/Royal_Society_Content/Education/partnership-grant/2011/2011-06-09-Getting-Practical.pdf). In today’s world, teachers of science strive to enhance their learners’ knowledge about the world around them and help develop their own ideas on theories and concepts within the scientific field (Millar and Abrahams, 2009). Although the involvement of practical work in our science teaching is broadly seen as a ‘good thing,’ it is not closed to criticism.

There are many potential benefits pupils will gain as a result of practical work. To begin, practical work, particularly for the younger pupils, will interest and motivate them. It provides an alternative way of learning. Research suggests that young people enjoy practical work in science and find it an enjoyable and useful pedagogical approach, as they regularly work on experiments along with friends and many of the experiments can be related to everyday life (Palmer, 2009) (Abrahams, 2009). Practical work gives pupils a sense of maturity and responsibility. Again, this can motivate the pupils as the teacher trusts them to carry out experiments independently. Another major benefit from practical work in science is the fact that the practical being carried out by the pupils, illustrate the theory they are learning in their hand-outs and textbooks. It allows pupils to see science happening in ‘real-life,’ which can only benefit their learning process and help cement the scientific concepts and theories being taught. As well as improving pupils' science education, practical work develops many cross-curricular skills, which improves pupils as individuals and helps develop skills which will benefit them in their future, undoubtedly making them more employable. This is very important, and its importance is highlighted in the revised NI curriculum’s main aim, which states, "The Northern Ireland Curriculum aims to empower young people to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives…" and one of the main objectives in achieving this aim is to, “develop as an individual.” (NI curriculum website). Figure 1 shows some of the skills young people can potentially develop as a result of practical work in