Hands-on, minds-on learning experiences help ensure that students gain a deep understanding of science concepts.
For many educators, the term constructivism brings to mind a core principle from their teacher preparation.
This foundational learning theory is a frequent topic in academic literature, appearing in peer-reviewed articles on platforms like EBSCOhost.
Meaningful learning happens through active involvement
is widely understood, applying that is often challenging.
In my work with teachers and curriculum specialists, I’ve found a fantastic entry point into constructivist theory: Shift the focus from just hands-on to encouraging minds-on learning.
To truly embed this learning-by-doing approach—and meet the goals of modern frameworks like the Next Generation Science Standards—we can focus on four essential elements.
Teachers who already use hands-on activities can make a smooth transition to constructivist approaches.
Author summary: Enhancing science learning through constructivism.