Practical work: Its role in the understanding of evidence in science

The role of practical work in science education is ill-defined. The authors suggest that one of the familiar aims of practical work, teaching for the development of 'experimental skills', is best regarded as having a distinct knowledge base linked to the understanding of scientific evidence. The significance and value of an understanding of evidence for employment in science, engineering and in regard to scientific literacy in the community is discussed. A content for the knowledge base linked to evidence is proposed and methods of teaching it considered. The authors conclude that while various teaching methods can be used, practical work has a key role in the teaching of evidence provided that the type of practical work is selected carefully with a clear purpose in mind.