The 'practical' has been part of school science for over 100 years, but the approaches and content have changed dramatically through the years. Past and current practices are analysed. The book also offers practical ideas for future practitioners.

Part I Introduction 1. Practical Work in Science: Time for a Reappraisal 2. Rhetoric and Reality: What Practical Work in Science Education is really For Part II Perspectives on Practical Work in School Science 3. The Schooling of Laboratory Science 4. Teaching about the World of Science in the Laboratory: the Influence of Students' ideas 5. 'If this were Played on Stage...': School Laboratory Work as a Theatre of Representation Part III The Search for Authenticity 6. Is this really what Scientists Do? 7. Authentic Science in Schools to Develop Personal Knowledge 8.Learning about Dimensions in Science through Authentic Tasks Part IV Language, Images, Ideas and Practical Work 9. Science Education 10. Science as Conversation: Come and See my Air Pump! 11. 'Imaging' or 'Envisionment' in Practical Work: Developing the Link Between Action, Thought and Image Part V Further Ideas on the Future of Practical Work 12. Implicit Knowledge and Science Practical Work in Schools 13. Experimentation and Conceptual Understanding in School Science: Can Hypothesis Testing Play a Role? 14. IT in Practical Work: Assessing and Increasing the Value Added 15. Multimedia Simulation: a Threat to, or Enhancement of Practical Work in Science Education? 16. Virtual Science: a Practical Alternative?