Science is a practical subject, teaching of which cannot be done properly only in theory form. For proper education of science, it is necessary to conduct various kinds of experimental works, which are practical in nature. These practical functions cannot be carry out in absence of scientific apparatus and equipments. The place where various kinds of scientific apparatus and equipments are arranged in systematic manner is called science laboratory.
Science laboratory is central to scientific instructions and it forms essential component of science education. It is in this place that various kinds of practical works are carry out by the students. Without proper and well- equipped science laboratory, it is not possible to carry out the science teaching process effectively in any school or educational institution. Students learn to handle various apparatus and to think independently in the laboratory, because of which it is considered to be one of an important place.When students carry out various kinds of experiments, then they draw conclusions from their studies, which raise their level of self confidence and develop scientific attitude among them.
These are considered to be main objectives of science teaching, for which it is considered by experts that without a well equipped and organised scientific laboratory, there cannot be any proper teaching of science. Students should be encouraged by the science teacher to make active parts in various experimental processes, as most of the achievements of modern science are due to the application of experimental methods.If students get information or knowledge by playing active role in learning process then they gets permanent kind of information, because of which at school stage, practical work is considered to be more important for the students. Although it has proven by the above discussion that science laboratories play very important functions, for which they are considered to be much important, but still need and importance of science laboratories can be explained in the following points:i.
In laboratory, it is possible to keep various scientific instruments and chemicals in safe and secure conditions, as without them, it is not possible to carry out any kind of experiment in any way. ii. If there is proper of well equipped and properly arranged laboratory in the school, then students will get encouraged by it to take active part in the experimental processes as in such kind of laboratory, a congenial kind of atmosphere exist, which promote the interest of students in practical works.ii.
With the help of well equipped and organised laboratory, science teacher will get help in developing the scientific attitudes among the students to considerable extent.iv. All the students have to carry out experiments collectively in the laboratory as often there is shortage of such facilities in schools. With such functions, spirit of co-operation and team work gets developed among the students and they begin to appreciate the work done by others.
Not only this, through this, they also begin to appreciate the views and ideas of others, which help them in becoming successful in future life.v. When students themselves get the opportunity to take part in experimental processes, then their area of experiences get widen and their level of intuitiveness also gets developed, as a result of which, they become people with wide mentality and open-mindedness.
