This report from the National Research Council addresses both the current state and future potential of laboratory experiences in US at the high school curriculum. The authors provide a consensus definition of and goals for laboratory learning, evidence for the effectiveness of typical laboratory learning and integrated instructional units in teaching science, what current practice looks like in several circumstances, and the courses of action that should be followed in order to improve the function of labs in teaching science. The report provides clear design principles for the development of laboratory experiences.
Full text available online.
