There are countless reasons why schools should provide their students with innovative science lab equipment. After all, almost every part of their lives is or has been affected by science. From the local weather to the food they eat, it plays a role.
When school labs are not outfitted with up-to-date materials, supplies, and equipment, it will adversely affect the progress of scientific advances yet to come. The advances in medicine and technology would not be possible without the brilliant and dedicated scientists and researchers. Many of them developed their lifelong interest in the field as soon as they performed their first experiment in the lab of their school.
The intention of most high school curriculum is to ready its students for working or prepare them for higher education. Most colleges and universities demand completion of laboratory courses to be eligible for admission. Studying in this discipline will not only increase their literacy in the field, but also provide a foundation for a future in the scientific and technological labor force.
The discovery of a treatment or a cure for a debilitating or life-threatening disease might never be realized if the personnel shortages that research labs are experiencing now continue. To interest and encourage students in science and related subjects, it is essential for schools to provide a well-equipped laboratory. Being able to design and make new materials, and investigate the things that make up the world around them will prevent the loss of future scientists.
This discipline is different from any other course a student takes in school. It involves seeing, handling, and manipulating real objects and materials. Teaching it requires being in a perpetual state of show and tell. The knowledge one attains in a class is ineffectual without learning about the methods and processes of research.
Science education would not be about science if it did not include opportunities to learn the process. Schools that pride themselves on their innovative approach to teaching know that classroom instruction combined with laboratory experience derives the best results. Evidence shows this method increases mastery of the subject, aids in developing scientific reasoning, and cultivates interest in this subject.
The laboratory provides students the opportunity to interact directly with data gathered from the material world. Here is where they will learn how to use tools and experiment with different techniques for collecting data. They will be using models and implement scientific theories. Experiences like this will help improve overall scientific literacy and prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers.
The benefit of having innovative science lab equipment in the schools is immeasurable. However, an important one is the critical role it plays in the lives of students. Besides the hands-on experience in lab research and experimentation, students also learn how to make a scientific argument. Writing, reviewing information, using the right language, constructing a logical line of reasoning, and responding to analytical comments are a few of the skills necessary to do this. These are valuable skills to have because of their usefulness in any discipline.