PSC1501
Assignment 2
DUE 31 July 2025
,PSC1501
Assignment 2
DUE 31 July 2025
QUESTION 1: Practical Work in Science Education
1.1 Reasons for Including Practical Science in the Classroom
Practical science activities enhance learning by connecting theory to practice. Below are
four reasons for their inclusion, each with an explanation and a classroom example.
Enhances Conceptual Understanding
Practical work helps students grasp abstract concepts by engaging with tangible
materials. Constructivist theories, such as Piaget’s, suggest hands-on experiences build
knowledge by linking new ideas to existing ones (Driver et al., 1994).
Example: To teach density, students measure the mass and volume of objects (e.g., a
metal cube and a wooden block) using a balance and measuring cylinder. Calculating
density and observing differences reinforces the concept.
Develops Scientific Skills
Practical activities foster skills like observing, measuring, and hypothesizing, essential
for scientific inquiry. Millar (2010) emphasizes that these skills prepare students to think
like scientists.
Example: In a biology lesson, students test how light affects seedling growth by
measuring plant height daily and recording observations, practicing data collection and
analysis.
, Promotes Engagement and Motivation
Hands-on tasks make learning interactive, sparking curiosity and interest. Hodson
(1993) notes that practical work fosters a positive attitude toward science, encouraging
lifelong learning.
Example: In a chemistry lesson, students mix vinegar and baking soda, observing gas
production as a balloon inflates, which captivates them and encourages discussion.
Encourages Critical Thinking
Practical work requires analyzing results and evaluating methods, developing critical
thinking. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory highlights problem-solving as key to cognitive
growth (Vygotsky, 1978).
Example: In a physics activity, students build circuits to explore voltage and current,
predicting outcomes and troubleshooting errors, which sharpens analytical skills.
Assignment 2
DUE 31 July 2025
,PSC1501
Assignment 2
DUE 31 July 2025
QUESTION 1: Practical Work in Science Education
1.1 Reasons for Including Practical Science in the Classroom
Practical science activities enhance learning by connecting theory to practice. Below are
four reasons for their inclusion, each with an explanation and a classroom example.
Enhances Conceptual Understanding
Practical work helps students grasp abstract concepts by engaging with tangible
materials. Constructivist theories, such as Piaget’s, suggest hands-on experiences build
knowledge by linking new ideas to existing ones (Driver et al., 1994).
Example: To teach density, students measure the mass and volume of objects (e.g., a
metal cube and a wooden block) using a balance and measuring cylinder. Calculating
density and observing differences reinforces the concept.
Develops Scientific Skills
Practical activities foster skills like observing, measuring, and hypothesizing, essential
for scientific inquiry. Millar (2010) emphasizes that these skills prepare students to think
like scientists.
Example: In a biology lesson, students test how light affects seedling growth by
measuring plant height daily and recording observations, practicing data collection and
analysis.
, Promotes Engagement and Motivation
Hands-on tasks make learning interactive, sparking curiosity and interest. Hodson
(1993) notes that practical work fosters a positive attitude toward science, encouraging
lifelong learning.
Example: In a chemistry lesson, students mix vinegar and baking soda, observing gas
production as a balloon inflates, which captivates them and encourages discussion.
Encourages Critical Thinking
Practical work requires analyzing results and evaluating methods, developing critical
thinking. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory highlights problem-solving as key to cognitive
growth (Vygotsky, 1978).
Example: In a physics activity, students build circuits to explore voltage and current,
predicting outcomes and troubleshooting errors, which sharpens analytical skills.
