Today, science education aims to provide scientific literacy for all as part of a liberal education and to prepare students for further study, work, and citizenship.Laboratory experiences provide opportunities for students to interact directly with the material world (or with data drawn from the material world), using the tools, data collection techniques, models, and theories of science. Science laboratories have been part of high school education for two centuries, yet a clear articulation of their role in student learning of science remains elusive.
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES
Laboratory activities at Shalom high school provide experience with phenomena, a starting place for the systematic development of students’ ideas, and a testing ground for the predictive power of their reasoning.
Laboratory activities are designed to engage students’ minds, so that students may acquire skill and confidence in their:
Measurement of physical quantities with appropriate accuracy
Recognition of factors that could affect the reliability of their measurements
Manipulations of materials, apparatus, tools, and measuring instruments
Clear descriptions of their observations and measurements
Representation of information in appropriate verbal, pictorial, graphical, and mathematical terms
Inference and reasoning from their observations
Ability to rationally defend their conclusions and predictions
LABORATORY AND STUDENT LEARING
Shalom Residential Public School has defined the learning goals of laboratory which include enhancing mastery of science subject matter, developing scientific reasoning abilities, increasing understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, developing practical skills, increasing understanding of the nature of science, cultivating interest in science and science learning, and improving teamwork abilities.
At Shalom School laboratory experiences will be more likely to achieve these goals as they are designed with clear learning outcomes in mind, thoughtfully sequenced into the flow of classroom science instruction, integrate learning of science content and process, and incorporate ongoing student reflection and discussion.
Computer-based representations and simulations of natural phenomena and large scientific databases of SRPS are more effective since they are integrated into a thoughtful sequence of classroom science instruction that also includes laboratory experiences.
TEACHER & SCHOOL READINESS
At Shalom School, management plays a critical role in supporting the successful integration of laboratory experiences in school science by providing improved approaches to professional development and adequate time for teacher planning and implementation of laboratory experiences.Our teachers are equipped with sophisticated knowledge of science content and process, how students learn science, assessment of students’ learning, and how to design instruction to support the multiple goals of science education. Shalom School also imparts pre-service and in-service professional development training for teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to lead laboratory experiences.
We also undertake further research which is needed to design tools and equipments that can effectively support improvements in teachers’ laboratory instruction.
FACILITIES, EQIPMENT & SAFETY
The laboratory at Shalom School is designed scientifically which would allow flexible use of space and furnishings, combining features of traditional laboratories and classrooms.In budgeting for laboratories, the school has considered the ongoing costs of equipment and supplies as well as the costs of building facilities. Laboratory activities include equipment and phenomena that relate to the students’ world, such as toys, sports equipment, tools, household items, etc.Computers and modern instruments are part of the laboratory equipments. Although excellent learning can take place using the simplest equipment, computers and measuring instruments incorporating modern technology are provided in the school.Safe laboratory work for students and teachers requires adequate, up-to-date safety equipment; an emphasis on safe practice in all activities; and the availability of resources adequate facilities, equipment, and supplies for laboratory experiences.
We have also followed adequate measures to maintain student safety during laboratory experiences as we think safety is a critical concern.
