Maximising learning from practicals

An image showing a male student recording observations about an experiment, while his female colleague is reading about the same experiment in her book; the glassware in the laboratory is linked to the glassware depicted in the girl's book

Source: © Claudia Flandoli

Be clear about the intended outcomes of experiments

The expectation is that chemistry lessons include practical work, but to be of value, practicals have to have purpose. When planning a practical with your class, consider how you will maximise student learning from it. Using the hands on/minds on approach can help, as demonstrated in this article.

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor. 

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

  • unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
  • teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
  • applications for funding to support your lessons

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.