Experiments in science instruction: for sure! Are we really sure?

Science researchers, educators and teachers alike place significant value on the inclusion of experiments in science instruction. This contribution describes a number of recent research projects undertaken by the Zentrum Naturwissenschafls- und Technikdidaktik (Center for Science and Technology Education) in Switzerland that have experimental instruction at their core. The findings of a comparative video-based study of experimental instruction in three countries are summarized. The incorporation of experimental skills and sub-skills into a new 'spiral' curriculum for Switzerland are demonstrated through a school-based research project. Finally, examples of experiment-based formative and summative assessments and their utilization in schools are described.