INTRODUCTION

Learning by doing is a cardinal principal of teaching science cannot be

taught as a theory subject. Scientific theory is based on the process of inquiry and

experimentation. Practical work is an essential component of learning science.

Dr. D.S. Kothari

“To learn science is to do science there is no other way of learning science”.

Advantage of science laboratory

1. Application of principles of science.

2. Interest and curiosity.

3. Intellectual honesty.

4. Scientific attitude and scientific methodology.

5. Co-operation and resourcefulness.

6. Training in handling the equipment.

Need for a science laboratory

1. Conducting experiments and demonstrations.

2. Developing scientific skills among the students.

3. Developing the skills of scientific experimentation and research.

4. Enhancing the scientific skills and skills of resourcefulness and co-

operation.

Objectives

1. Provide opportunity for individuals and group learning.

2. To simplify the abstract scientific concepts.

3. To develop scientific skills in the students.

4. To motivate the students.

5. To develop interest and curiosity.

Characteristics of a good science laboratories

1. Space:-

The lab should be spacious and sufficient should be provided for the free

movement of the students between the work benches.

2. Location :-

The lab should be pre ferably located in the ground floor. This makes the

movement of materials and people easy.

3. Demonstration table:-

A big, clearing visible, separate demonstration bench for teacher should be

provide.

4. Ventilation:-

The lab should be well its and ventilated. They should be provided with

adequate water supply. The lab should be well it with natural light.

5. Furniture:-

The furniture should be minimal and movable. Heavy furniture should be

avoided.

6. Flexibility:-

The lab should be planned in such a way that it carries all element of

flexibility.

7. Doors and windows :-

The doors and windows should be provided with curtain or venetian blinds.

So they may be darkened when needed.

8. Floor:-

The floor should be built strongly and should be resistance to chemical. It

should be corrosion resistant and non-slippers.

Requirements of a biological science lab:-

A biological science lab should be equipped with basic furniture like:-

1. Table

2. Two sinks at the corner of each lab.

3. Almirahs

4. Stools

5. Black board

6. Table racks

7. Preparation room

8. An animal house and a green house.

The other equipment and apparatus required are,

1. Refrigerator

2. Centrifuge

3. Electronic oven

4. Incubator

5. A mixer

6. Auto clave

7. Chemicals/ Reagents

8. Charts and models

9. Slides and specimens

Care and maintenance of apparatus:-

1. Every item should be designed in a fixed place.

2. Registers should be updated regularly.

3. Items should be kept ready on racks for use.

4. Heavy items and cans should be kept at low levels.

5. Wooden items should be regularly polished.

6. Minimum use of chemicals should be encouraged.

7. Break age of any item should be noted down.

Administration of the laboratory work:-

1. Organization of practical work.

2. Grouping of students.

3. Preparation for practical work.

4. Discipline.

5. Instructions for the students.

6. Maintenance of observation book and records.

Organization of practical work:-

It is essential for a science teacher to complement her classroom lessons to

the practicals conducted in the lab. It can be categorized into 3 types.

1. Demonstrations

2. Practical work done by students.

3. Project work.

1. Demonstration:-

The teachers give demonstration to the students before initiating any

practical work . They help the students to understand the practical skills.

2. Practical work:-

Could be done by students either individually or in groups under the

guidance of the teacher.

3. Project work:-

It could be given to the students to be done either in the lab or out of

school.

Guidance for teacher in oranising practical work:-

1. The experiments should be properly done. Accurate reading should be

noted down.

2. In the recording books, the data and the diagrams should be entered.

3. Teacher should check and sign every students practical book.

4. Teacher should explain the care and accuracy of apparatus to the students.

5. Teacher should emphasize on economy in usage of chemicals and

apparatus.

6. Teacher should be cautions about accidents in the lab.

7. Teacher should create interest in the lab.

8. Teacher should create interest in practical.

Organization of students :-

Depending upon the available equipment and facilities students could be

grouped differently. They are two plans for grouping:-

1. Group plan:-

In this plan all the students work on the same experiment at the same time.

2. Individual plan:-

When the number of students is more and available facilities are less this

type of plan is followed. It is a cyclic management of experiments.

Discipline in the science laboratory :-

1. Lab apparatus and materials are meant only lab use.

2. Avoid misplacing of chemicals.

3. Stoppers should be put back on respective bottles.

4. No test should be done without the instructions.

5. End of experiment, the apparatus should be cleaned and returned.

6. The work area should be kept clean and tidy..

General safety rules for the lab :-

1. In case of any accident immediately report on the supervision of teacher.

2. Equipments should be handled only after reading the instructions.

3. Lab apparatus should be used only after receiving the instructions and

precautions from the teachers.

4. Never pour back the reagents or chemicals into the bottles.

5. Chemicals spilled on the skin should be immediately wash with water.

6. Working area should be cleaned before and after the experiment.

In case of accidents or injuries, first aid should be immediately provided. First

aid requirement is important in science laboratory. The science teacher should

be trained in providing first aid to the injured to the students.

CONCLUSION

The modern trend in the teaching of science is to emphasise student

investigate activity as an integral part of the instructional process. Many

programmes have been developed in an attempt to integrate in quiry with

science instruction and to develop student inquiry skills.

REFERENCE

1. Methods of teaching biological science. – Dr.P. Ameeta.

2. Modern trends in science education – Dr. T. T. Joseph.

3. Wikepedia.