As the world of science and technology changes at a very fast pace, classroom learning must go beyond textbooks. Living up to the standards of preparing students for STEM education to give them the much-needed foundation as they chase their dreams in STEM careers, one key ingredient is the use of real-life equipment. Various research works reveal that if students apply real-life instruments that are used in scientific practice, they grasp more knowledge, develop better skills in critiquing and excel in performance when they work professionally in their respective fields.

Why Hands-On Learning Matters in STEM

Hands-on learning, as it is called, is normally referred to as practical experience because of its excellent way of linking concepts and theories taught in class with experiences gained in a real-world environment. It is actually quite beneficial for students to use their hands while studying; they understand better what they can see, feel and handle. This is due to the fact that experiments that measure, react or require constant observation enable the students to discover and grasp theoretical or abstract concepts in a practical view translating them into tangible experience.

By using real laboratory instruments, students not only study the concepts effectively but also acquire technical skills that will serve them in their future places of work. From measuring the mass of substances to identifying the microscopic structure of an organism, proper equipment makes the plain old classroom into an immersive scientific laboratory.

Real Laboratory Equipment Transforms the Learning Experience

Laboratory apparatus enables students to get hands-on experience in the application of various steps of the scientific process. They get to do experiments and obtain data and results which improves the mastering of problem solving. This has a pragmatic style of learning that demonstrates to the learners how to reason, think critically and analytically, solve problems with experiments and work in groups—all of which are vital in a STEM job market.

The accuracy and precision of all measurements and the efficiency of the tools they employ may have a great influence on the results of such experiments. In this case, if school laboratories are equipped with professional-level tools, the educators are in a position to provide the students with a feel of what it feels like to be working in the scientific field.

Goals of Laboratory Experiences

Practicum encounters have been identified as having benefits on a vast array of learning outcomes which can be attributed to the general purpose of science education. Unlike the traditional goals of learning which focus on the acquisition of content knowledge, these goals enable the development of other relevant skills, fostering critical thinking and practical skills that are vital in scientific investigation. Here are some of the key outcomes of laboratory experiences as highlighted by various educational research studies (Millar, 2004; Hofstein and Lunetta, 1982):

• Enhancing Mastery of Subject Matter: They enable students to make sense of what they learn in class through practical demonstration of facts and concepts via experiments where they can observe and engage in making the theories tangible. Such an interaction reinforces their understanding of how knowledge in the said discipline is classified and applied.
• Developing Scientific Reasoning: Students develop skills in asking relevant scientific questions, designing the experiment, and modifying the answer through evidence collected. In the laboratories, they work with content that enables them to build effective and valid arguments of the given scientific concepts and theories using appropriate terminologies or jargon as well as acceptable sources of information and evidence.
• Understanding the Complexity and Ambiguity of Empirical Work: Laboratories familiarize students with the incongruities and complexities of the physical environment, and the difficulties of observation, data analysis, and measurement errors. These two factors enable the students to grasp the fact that empirical work is frequently not well-defined.
• Developing Practical Skills: In the laboratory, students are taught the proper way of handling and/or operating scientific equipment correctly and without compromising on safety. In this way, they develop such practical skills as observing a phenomenon, measuring it, and performing certain procedures that are necessary for further scientific activities.
• Understanding the Nature of Science: Laboratory experiences encourage students to define and appreciate the values and assumptions as well as the dynamics of sciences. Students begin to grasp the fact that science is a continuous process by which human beings try to make sense of natural phenomena.
• Cultivating Interest in Science: When science "comes alive" in the lab, students become more invested in learning the science courses and they are able to see the relevance of such courses in their day-to-day lives. This engagement can in a way foster a lifelong desire for scientific discoveries in the youth.
• Developing Teamwork Abilities: In the case of labs, projects are usually assigned as group activities with subdivisions, shifts of roles and activities towards collective objectives. Owing to the concept of team the promotion of cooperation and good communication demeanor which are vital in scientific research and professional practices.

KERN Laboratory Equipment: Elevating STEM Education

Here, at MSE Supplies, we are pleased to present the products that belong to the laboratory equipment category in cooperation with KERN, which are products that are intended and developed for educational establishments. The systematic world of measurement technology represents tangible precision, reliability, and innovation. Their balances, microscopes, and measuring instruments are designed to fit the needs of educational institutions.

Here are a few standout products from our KERN product line that will significantly enhance students' learning experiences:

• KERN EMB School Balance: It is a perfect balance for an entry-level school, and gives teachers a wonderful opportunity to try out new teaching methods. Due to its simplicity and ease of use, this particular model is recommended for students because it offers accurate measurements that are crucial in experiments.
• KERN Set for Density Determination: This specialized set allows students to measure the density of both solids and liquids, making it an excellent tool for physics and chemistry labs. Students can use this set to develop that area of knowledge in their way through various experiments​.
• KERN OBT-1 Compound Microscope: Perfect for use in biology courses, this newest compound microscope meets all the requirements for observing cells and any other biological matter. It is built to last and its interface is rather simple which makes it ideal for usage in class.
• KERN Analogue Refractometer: This precise refractometer is ideal for demonstrating methods of determining the refractive index of liquids in the unit, which is used in both chemistry and biological laboratories. Because of this, it is easy to use as the scale is well defined and it suits the palm which makes it very useful in any class.
• KERN Moisture Analyzer: A highly practical tool that helps students learn about the water content in various substances, an essential aspect of materials science and food technology experiments. With its precise, easy-to-read measurements, students can gain valuable insights into material composition and quality​.

Why Choose KERN for Your School’s Laboratory Needs?

KERN’s equipment stands out for its precision, reliability, and ease of use. The balances, refractometers, microscopes, and analyzers are designed with students in mind, featuring simple interfaces, easy calibration, and durable construction that can handle the demands of a classroom environment. This indicates that the tools used in teaching students are not just simple ones, but are sophisticated to expose the students to tools they are likely to use at the workplace when they complete their studies.

Invest in Your Students’ Future with MSE Supplies

It is important to note that providing real lab equipment in the classroom is an investment towards the future of STEM education. By using laboratory equipment, tools and apparatuses, they can equip the students with the accurate working tools that will enhance the knowledge and skills required for future advancements in science.

Explore MSE Supplies’ full range of laboratory equipment today and take the first step toward elevating your classroom experience. Whether you need balances, microscopes, or other essential lab tools, we have the products to support your educational goals. Contact us today and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates and innovations!

Reference:

1. Read “America’s Lab Report: Investigations in High School Science” at nap.edu. 3 Laboratory Experiences and Student Learning | America’s Lab Report: Investigations in High School Science | The National Academies Press. (n.d.). https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/11311/chapter/5