The science learning goals of laboratory experiences include enhancing mastery of science subject matter, developing scientific reasoning abilities, increasing understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, developing practical skills, increasing understanding of the nature of science, cultivating interest in science and science learning, and improving teamwork abilities.
The following are the objectives that may be achieved through Science lab:
• skills – manipulative, inquiry, investigative, organizational, communicative
• concepts – for example, hypothesis, theoretical model, taxonomic category
• cognitive abilities – critical thinking, problem solving, application, analysis, synthesis
• understanding the nature of science – scientific enterprise, scientists and how they work, existence of a multiplicity of scientific methods, interrelationships between science and technology and among the various disciplines of science.