The Impact of the Laboratory and Technology on Learning and Teaching Science K-16 (Hc)

A volume in Research in Science EducationSeries Editors Dennis W. Sunal University of Alabamaand Emmett L. Wright Kansas State UniversityThe Impact of the Laboratory and Technology on K-12 Science Learning and Teaching examines the developmentuse and influence of active laboratory experiences and the integration of technology in scienceteaching. This examination involves the viewpoints of policymakers researchers and teachers that areexpressed through research involving original documents interviews analysis and synthesis of the literaturecase studies narrative studies observations of teachers and students and assessment of student learning outcomes.Volume 3 of the series Research in Science Education addresses the needs of various constituenciesincluding teachers administrators higher education science and science education faculty policymakers governmental and professional agencies andthe business community.The guiding theme of this volume is the role of practical laboratory work and the use of technology in science learning and teaching K-16. The volume investigates issues and concerns related to this theme through various perspectives addressing design research professionalpractice and evaluation. Beginning with definitions the historical evolution and policy guiding these learning experiences areexplored from several viewpoints. Effective design and implementation of laboratory work and technology experiences is examined forelementary and high school classrooms as well as for undergraduate science laboratories informal settings and science educationcourses and programs. In general recent research provides evidence that students do benefit from inquirybased laboratory and technologyexperiences that are integrated with classroom science curricula. The impact and statusof laboratory and technology experiences is addressed by exploring specific strategies in avariety of scientific fields and courses. The chapters outline and describe in detail researchbasedbest practices for a variety of settings.