The Integral Role of Laboratory Investigations in Science Instruction

The National Science Teacher Association, with over 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, and others committed to promoting science eduction, released a position statement on the key role that science experiments play in teaching.

"A hallmark of science is that it generates theories and laws that must be consistent with observations. Much of the evidence from these observations is collected during laboratory investigations. A school laboratory investigation (also referred to as a lab) is defined as an experience in the laboratory, classroom, or the field that provides students with opportunities to interact directly with natural phenomena or with data collected by others using tools, materials, data collection techniques, and models ..."

NSTA Position Statement on Labs