Chapter 3: The Use of Specialized Facilities for Laboratory Science Instruction in Elementary Schools

In February 2007, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) reissued a position statement in support of the integral role of laboratory investigations in science instruction. Drawing upon the National Research Council's (2006) summary of research in America's Lab Report, NSTA defined a laboratory investigation or “lab” 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” (National Research Council [NRC], 2006, p. 3). As indicated by this definition, however, “laboratory” can also be used to denote the physical space in which the experience takes place. At the secondary level, the science classroom is typically a laboratory space. At the elementary level, however, the science classroom is typically a multipurpose classroom in which all subjects are taught. Yet, increasingly, elementary schools are investing their resources in establishing specialized facilities for science that more closely resemble the “lab” rooms of middle and secondary schools. These may be used in conjunction with a specialist-led science program, or may simply be a way to pool resources for the benefit of all teachers. Understanding the role of laboratory activities in science learning can be enhanced by better understanding the context in which that learning takes place.