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In response to Stephen Hawkes’ Commentary (1), I think the crucial point is whether the students learn to appreciate the intellectual beauty of science and understand the relatively small number of simple yet profound scientific principles which govern so much of our everyday experiences. Many non-science majors are obviously disinterested in the laboratory work in introductory courses. An analogy is a course in music appreciation. Many love and appreciate music but have no interest in being forced to play the violin or piano. It is often better to have an accomplished musician demonstrate the instruments to the class rather than making each student attempt to play the instruments. Similarly it is often better to have an accomplished scientist demonstrate techniques and principles rather than having large numbers of students performing laboratory experiments that they find boring and that distract from their appreciation of science. Literature Cited- Hawkes, S. J. J. Chem. Educ. 2004, 81, 1257.
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