Practical Work in Science Education in the Digital Era

Laurinda Leite has a background in Physics and Chemistry, holds a MA in Science Education, University of London, UK and a PhD in Science Education, University of Minho, Portugal. Her research concentrates in science teacher education, using the laboratory for teaching, and context-based and problem-based learning. She directed the Research Center on Education, was Vice-Rector for Education and has been engaged in national and international funded research projects. Luís Dourado has a background in Biology and Geology, holds a MEd and a PhD in Science Education University of Minho, Portugal. His research concentrates in science teacher education, using the laboratory and the field for teaching, problem-based learning and Ecoethics. He coordinated the research group on Science Education for Sustainability and participated in national and international funded research projects. Ana S. Afonso has a background in Physics, holds an MSc in Physics for Teaching, University of Minho, Portugal and a PhD in Science Education, University Reading, UK. Her research interest and publication concentrate mainly in the area of informal science education, namely in science centers. She has been participating in national and international funded research projects. Sofia Morgado has a background in Physics and Chemistry, holds a MEd and a PhD in Science Education, University of Minho, Portugal. Her research interests and publication concentrate in the area of problem-based learning of science and teaching for context-based learning of science. She participated in a national and international funded research project. Luísa Carvalho has a background in Biology and Geology and holds a master’s in Teaching of Biology and Geology, University of Minho, Portugal. Her research interests and publication concentrate in the area of Ecoethics, which was the topic of her recently awarded PhD in science education.

• Part 1. Overview of Practical Work in Science Education.- 1. A Critical Look at the History of School Practical Work Over the Past Half a Century.- 2. Practical Work in Science Education: Foundations, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.- 3. Practical Science, Artificial Intelligence and Science Education.- 4. Maker Education and Makerspaces: Challenges and Opportunities for STEAM Education.- 5. Practical Work to Teach the Nature of Science to Science Teachers.- Part 2. Physical Practical Work in Science Education.- 6. Physical Laboratory-Based Practical Activities in School: A Literature Review Centred on Students.- 7. Inquiry-based Practical Work in Science Education.- 8. Engaging in the Practical Work of Science with Multiple Models.- 9. The Rain Gauge as a Limit-Act: Practical Work from the Freirean Perspective.- 10. Field-Based Practical Activities for School Science Learning: A Literature Review Centred on Students.- 11. Problem-Based Practical Work in Real Contexts: Cultivating Scientific Literacy for Social Change and Youth Protagonism.- 12. Science Museums in Support of School Laboratory Work.- Part 3. Digital Practical Work in Science Education.- 13. Enhancing Practical Work Through 3D Animated Virtual Labs: Opportunities and Challenges in Biology Education.- 14. Simulations-Based Practical Work.- 15. Modeling in the Digital Era: An Overview of Practical Studies on Computerized Model-Based Science Instruction.- 16. Augmented Reality in Education: Didactic and Philosophical Implications for Science Education.- 17. Immersive Virtual Reality for Science Practicals: Opportunities, Challenges, and Pedagogical Considerations.- 18. A Systematic Review of Research on the Integration of Real and Virtual Laboratories for Inquiry-Based Learning.- Part 4. Inclusion Through Practical Work.- 19. Promoting Inclusion in Science Education Through Low-Cost Practical Work.- 20. Designing Sustainable and Inclusive Physics Laboratories for the Digital Age. 21. Inclusive STEM Education for Students Who Are Blind or Low Vision: From the Classroom into the Science Laboratory. 22. Unlocking Young Children’s Potential with STEAM: Special Online Programme for Gifted Young Children. 23. Potential and Limitations of Virtual Field Trips in Promoting Nature-Based Learning and Inclusion.- Part 5. Teaching Practice Issues in Practical Work Contexts.- 24. Towards More Research-Informed Practice in the Use of Practical Work in Science Education.- 25. Teachers’ Challenges and Proposed Strategies in Educational Robotics and STEM: A Review and Content Analysis.- 26. Assessing Practical Work in Laboratory Settings.- Part 6. Ethical and Safety Issues in Practical Work.- 27. Ethical Issues in the Science Laboratory.- 28. Ethics Issues in Outdoors Science Education in an Increasingly Digital Age.- 29. Ethical Issues with Extended Reality Technology in Schools and How Teachers Can Respond to These in STEM Education.- 30. Redefining School Laboratory Safety in the Digital Age.- 31. Safety Issues in STEM Virtual Learning Environments.