Experimental Practical Activities In Scientific Education

In this paper we offer the results of our research on experimental practical activities (from now on referred to as TPEs from its acronym in Spanish: trabajos prácticos experimentales) performed within the framework of the Science among Everyone Program. Our goal was to understand professors’ perceptions about these practical activities (and if their ideas differ depending on their area of teaching, the level of education they teach, or their own experience) as well as to describe the situation regarding the performance of these TPEs in schools. We surveyed 51 teachers of natural sciences who participated in our recruitment sessions. Our results showed that TPEs are an important activity in practice, as well as in relation to assumptions about science teaching and learning. The most recurrent assumption considers TPEs as a tool that enhances students’ enthusiasm and motivation and that, therefore, it also helps the teacher to show and explain concepts.