Education encompassing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) has taken all educational institutions by storm and more emphasis is being paid to enhance STEM education across all age groups. Long gone are the days when science was merely a subject taught out of textbooks; modern day education not only gives students theoretical knowledge but very practically equip children with the know-how of these subjects. The aim is to create more individuals who are not intimidated by science or technology so that they can take up these disciplines in the future and choose them as careers. However, a practical knowledge of such subjects requires investment in the right kind of equipment which may leave educational institutions wondering whether or not this is needed. Here are a few benefits of having proper lab equipment in educational institutes.
Students can learn formulas, write down step by step experiments and draw diagrams all the want, but only a student who has conducted experiments himself will be able to truly have a profound interest in complicated domains. Practical knowledge is far better than just rote learning from textbooks which is why it is crucial for institutes to have proper and well equipped labs.
After physically handling chemicals and equipment, students feel the urge to explore more and to dig deeper into the findings of their science experiments; something that textbooks alone cannot attain. They understand the importance of controlled environments, and how external elements can impact their experiments thus truly understanding the concepts being taught to them. Only good quality lab equipment can help them do this.
If an educational institute wishes to remain at par with its global counterparts, it is absolutely crucial for it to invest in lab equipment and encourage the overall lab culture so that students may learn to think critically and analytically. Labs are no longer a luxury in schools but a basic necessity.
Certain areas of science simply cannot be taught without lab equipment:
You can’t produce an electrical engineer even with the best faculty if the student doesn’t get hands-on experience with certain components of the domain. Sometimes, it is not only an effort to impart more knowledge that requires well equipped labs but is in fact a prerequisite from higher authorities to have such labs available.