What Policymakers Need to Know About the Cost of Implementing High School Lab-Based Science Course Requirements
| August 3, 2007 |  View for printing |
An increasing number of states have required that some – or all – Carnegie units in science for high school graduation be fulfilled by lab sciences. This policy brief examines:
• The research that supports implementing lab science requirements (as opposed to general science requirements) for high school graduation
• The number of states requiring science lab credits for high school graduation
• The costs associated with fitting schools with science labs – in terms of capital, equipment, operations, maintenance and other needs
• The alternatives to traditional labs, including portable labs, virtual labs and other options – and their respective benefits and disadvantages in terms of cost, space, teaching staff needs and student learning.
Lab experiences can vary by subject (biology, chemistry, physics, and other earth and life sciences), and can include many different types of activities. Two main concerns, however, should be at the forefront during the design, construction and outfitting of any lab: Will the lab allow each student to further his/her knowledge of science; and, is the lab safe for students and teachers? Policymakers, in considering both these questions, must consider the issue of cost. The following policy brief should help policymakers weigh the cost of implementing increased lab-based science courses.
By Mike Griffith
Full Report: http://www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/74/64/7464.pdf
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Rob and Terry Ryan found STARS, "Science & Technology At ouR Schools". Donate dream classrooms in biology, chemistry and physics to the Hamilton, Montana School District http://www.matr.net/article-16913.html
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