Science Practicals

One aspect about Science lessons which makes learning more interesting would be the practicals carried out roughly once a week. Such practicals allow us to see the reaction between acid and carbonate for example, in front of our eyes rather than just a statement on the notes. Does it enhance our understanding of the reaction? It does to a large extent, having seen it happen before our eyes.

However, we would forget what was learnt during the practical few days after the practical itself. Then when it was time to study for tests, we would re-visit our notes and start refreshing our memory. My point is that practicals serve more as a tool of engagement and interest rather than pure understanding and memorizing it for a long time. Often what we learn from the practical only last in our heads for a day.

Practicals are not entirely useless though. On the bright side, we can say that carrying out practicals improve our lab technique which will be tested somewhere in the near future. Lab technique, in my opinion, is very important not only because it will be tested, but it will be beneficial for those who choose Cat-1 for their Project's Day. Even though the lab sessions I did for my Cat-1 project was more sophisticated in nature, often involving bacteria, agar plates, extract, etc, one can argue that the practicals during Science lessons were a complete was of time.

I think what practicals can give us is confidence. By trying, even from the smallest of things, gives us the confidence that even greater things can be handled. If we have not even carried out practicals before, how will we have the confidence to embark on more sophisticated things? Practicals do serve their purpose, and whether we utilise its purpose, depends much on ourselves.