LABORATORY METHOD

AND DEMONSTRATION

Laboratory Methods
Originally , the term laboratory was

applied to a place for experimental

study in a natural science where
various chemical materials were tested
, analyzed and prepared.
Today , the laboratory methods means
a procedure dealing with first hand
experience regarding materials or facts
often derived from investigation or
experiments.

 Its experimentation, observation,

application by individual or small

groups dealing with actual facts

AIMS OF LABORATORY METHODS

John Walton (1966) gives the

following aims of laboratory methods.

1. To give first hand experience in the
laboratory which may increase
students interest .
2. To provide students participation in
original research.
3. To develop skill in the use of laboratory
equipment and instruments.

Types of laboratory methods

Experimental: The aim is training

in problem solving with incidental

acquisition of information and motor
skill.
The emphasis is discovery , original
procedure analysis and solution of
the problem.

 Educational(observational):

information is the dominant aim, the

different forms are seeing museums ,
collections , ex-hibits and watching
lecture demonstrations, or field
excursion.

Steps in the Methods are

Introductory step: for orientation and

motivation. This includes determination of

work to be done, the material to be used
must be announced.
Work period: All the students maybe
working on the same or different problem.
Culminating Activities: After completion
or near completion of the work , the class
may get together to discuss and organized
their individual findings.

advantages
a) It is learning by doing
b) Reality is more vivid than any symbol
c) It is a direct preparation for a new way

of life
d) Undergoing of actual experience is
vivid and what one learns by laboratory
method is retained longer.

Disadvantages
1. Uneconomical way of knowing the lecture

demonstration may be substituted with

better result.
2. It becomes mechanical at times.
3. the expensive apparatus sometimes
does not justify results
4. Loss of time occurs due to indescriminate
overrun of method.

DEMONSTRATION METHOD
The demonstration method is the
planned manipulation of materials

and equipment to the end that

students are able to observe all or at
least some of the manifestations of
one or more scientific principles
operating within a phenomenon.

 It is a method proven to be effective

as a device for developing

understanding in students for facts ,
concepts and principles.

Functions of
demonstrations
Show what is already known of a

scientific process, procedure or

phenomenon by a teacher or small
group of students to a large group, with
the use of materials or equipment.
Illustrate a process or method of doing
something.
A way of reinforcing newly-learned
science content to make it more
meaningful.

Steps of the demonstration method

1. Introduce a lesson or topic
2. Raise questions or problems
3. Provide an understanding of a

concept through visual means.

4. Verify observation made previously.
5. Questioning
6. Summary of ideas

To ensure effectiveness of the demonstration,

Ornstein recommends the following
Plan and prepare for the demonstration
Present the demonstration in the context of what

the students have already learned , or as a

stimulus for searching for new knowledge
Make provision for the full participation of the
students
Encourage students to ask questions as they
arise.
Encourage students to make observations first
and then to make inferences and generalizations
Allocate sufficient time for completion of
demonstration to packing up of materials

advantages
It is an excellent method of motivating and

arousing the interest of students in introducing a

lesson topic.
Question or problems can arise from the
observation in demonstration and form the basis
for further experimentation
Provides an understanding through visual means
When controversy exists, they are used as the
proof.
Helps the students to thinks.
It explains the proper use of science apparatus and
equipment

Disadvantages
The students become mere observer

since manipulation is done by the

teachers or group of students rather
than performing it themselves
Students cannot actively participate
because of insufficient equipment
Students are not able to develop their
skills in manipulating the science
apparatus and equipment.

Difference between demonstration and

experiment
Demonstration starts with an

exclamation mark (!). It shows

something science and is content
oriented. It reinforces previous learning
and tends towards closure or summary
of ideas. The teacher manipulate the
materials.
Experiments starts with a question
mark(?). It finds out something
concerning science and is process
oriented. It tries to solve problems. It