The Role of Hands-On Experiments in Science Education

As a teacher, you’re constantly seeking new ways to create a love for science in your pupils. Hands-on experiments play an essential role in transforming theoretical knowledge into tangible experiences and can help your pupils understand what science looks like outside of the classroom. In this blog post, we'll explore why it’s important to do hands-on experiments and provide practical examples and ideas on how to integrate them into your science curriculum.

The Importance of Hands-On Experiments

Research consistently highlights the benefits of hands-on learning in science education. Pupils who engage in practical activities develop better problem-solving skills and retain knowledge longer compared to those who rely solely on traditional lecture-based instruction. Additionally, hands-on experiments align with the principles of experiential learning, where pupils learn by doing, reflecting and applying their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Hands-on experiments also cater to diverse learning styles. Kinesthetic learners, who thrive on physical activity, particularly benefit from this approach. Visual and auditory learners can also gain a deeper understanding by observing and discussing the processes and outcomes of experiments. This multi-sensory approach ensures that all pupils have the opportunity to engage with the material in a way that resonates with them.

Practical Experiments and the National Curriculum

Since the NC emphasises the importance of practical scientific methods and skills, we’ve included some hands-on experiment ideas that align with topics covered in the NC and are bound to engage your pupils. 

Exploring Chemical Reactions:

• Experiment: Combining bicarbonate of soda and vinegar to demonstrate an acid-base reaction. You can find an extended version of this experiment in Developing Experts’ Year 5 unit on Changes of Materials. 
• Objective: Observing the production of carbon dioxide gas and understanding the concept of chemical reactions.
• Skills Developed: Hypothesis formulation, observation and data recording.

Investigating Forces and Motion:

• Experiment: Building and testing simple machines such as levers, pulleys and inclined planes. Have a look at our lessons in Year 5 Forces to find out more. 
• Objective: Understanding how forces affect motion and the principles of mechanical advantage.
• Skills Developed: Experiment design, measurement and analysis of results.

Exploring Plant Biology:

• Experiment: Growing plants under different conditions to study the effects of variables like light, water and soil type.
• Objective: Learning about photosynthesis, plant growth and environmental factors.
• Skills Developed: Controlled experimentation, data collection and interpretation.

Studying Earth and Space:

• Experiment: Creating a model of the solar system or simulating the phases of the moon using a light source and balls. You can discover more about this topic in our Year 5 unit on Earth and Space. 
• Objective: Understanding the relative positions and movements of celestial bodies.
• Skills Developed: Model construction, observation and explanation of astronomical phenomena.

3. Why collaboration is important 

Encouraging collaboration among pupils during hands-on experiments can further enhance their learning experience. Group work has a whole host of benefits: communication skills, critical thinking and the ability to work as part of a team. When your class is completing one of DE’s Mission Assignment tasks that involves group work, you could try assigning roles such as the recorder, the materials manager or the presenter. This ensures that each student actively participates and contributes to the experiment whilst also learning more about different roles and responsibilities. 

4. Conclusion

Whilst implementing hands-on experiments can be difficult - it requires careful planning, access to resources and a willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of scientific inquiry - the rewards are well worth the effort. Your pupils will gain a richer and more comprehensive understanding of the world around them through active exploration and discovery.