HANDS

Evidence base

Why hands-on learning works in STEM

Research across K–16 shows that active, tactile learning improves performance, deepens understanding, and boosts engagement. This page synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed studies and national reports to explain why hands-on tools matter and how they inform the Hands kit design.

Key takeaways

  • • Active learning improves exam performance and lowers failure rates across STEM courses (Freeman 2014).
  • • Physical and 3D models strengthen conceptual understanding when activities are scaffolded (Newman 2018; Howell 2020).
  • • Reflection and feedback layered onto hands-on tasks raise higher-order thinking and real-world transfer (Huang 2024).
  • • Teachers prefer direct, physical materials for science and sustainability topics (Smithsonian SSEC 2023).
  • • Students report hands-on work and real-world connections as top drivers of engagement (Gallup & Walton 2024).

Why hands-on works

Mechanisms supported by research

  • • Active practice over passive listening: meta-analysis shows sizable gains in scores and reduced failure with active methods (Freeman 2014).
  • • Embodied cognition: manipulating parts builds representational competence and supports transfer beyond a single task (Newman 2018).
  • • Structure–function reasoning: 3D-printed biomolecular modules improve learning compared with text-only approaches (Howell 2020).
  • • Guided reflection: adding feedback and brief reflection to hands-on units lifts higher-order thinking and task execution (Huang 2024).

Design principles we apply

  • • Scaffolded activities: stepwise builds from base pairing to transcription and translation with prompts and checks.
  • • Immediate feedback: snap-fit constraints enforce correct pairing; codon mapping shows consequences instantly.
  • • Short, repeatable blocks: lessons fit 15 to 45 minutes with quick resets to support multiple classes a day.
  • • Assessment-ready: worksheets and exit tickets target vocabulary, process explanation, and error analysis.

Why it is necessary in STEM programs

The current gap

  • • Time scarcity: elementary students average about 20 minutes of science per day, far less than ELA and math (Horizon Research 2019).
  • • Preference mismatch: teachers favor direct experiences and hands-on materials for science instruction (Smithsonian SSEC 2023).
  • • Learner demand: nearly half of Gen Z students say hands-on work most drives interest in learning (Gallup & Walton 2024).

Program implications

  • • Efficiency: classroom-ready kits that set up fast help teachers reclaim scarce minutes for guided practice.
  • • Equity: affordable, reusable parts and printable materials broaden access to high-quality labs.
  • • Standards fit: NGSS adoption and alignment across most states reward phenomenon-driven, practice-rich materials (National Academies & OpenSciEd 2023).

Why start with biology

Biology reaches nearly all U.S. high school students, making it the broadest entry point for hands-on STEM. Focusing first on DNA to RNA to protein maximizes relevance while aligning to widely taught standards. (NSF 2018, updated web tables 2021–2023)

References

  • • Freeman, S., et al. “Active Learning Increases Student Performance in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics.” PNAS, 2014.
  • • Horizon Research, Inc. 2018 NSSME+: Status of Elementary School Science, 2019.
  • • Smithsonian Science Education Center. The Power of Hands-On Learning in STEM Education, 2023.
  • • Gallup & Walton Family Foundation. State of STEM Education Report 2024 and Voices of Gen Z Study, 2024.
  • • Newman, D. L., et al. “Physical Models Can Provide Superior Learning Opportunities in STEM.” CBE—Life Sciences Education, 2018.
  • • Howell, M. E., et al. “Interactive Learning Modules with 3D-Printed Models for Biochemistry.” Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 2020.
  • • Huang, Y.-M., et al. “Empowering Virtual Reality with Feedback and Reflection in Hands-On Learning.” Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 2024.
  • • National Academies (citing NSTA) and OpenSciEd. NGSS adoption overview, 2023.
  • • National Science Foundation. Science and Engineering Indicators, High School Coursetaking, 2018 (updated 2021–2023).
  • • Simba Information / PR Newswire. K–12 science instructional materials market briefs, 2022.