This hearing discussed how lack of coordination between laboratory exercises and classroom lectures, inadequately trained teachers, languishing facilities, and current high school organization diminish the value these exercises can have or prohibit them all together, and highlighted how a strong hands-on experience can create scientifically literate students, interested in pursuing a career in science. Statement presenters include: Representative Brian Baird, Chairman, Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, Committee on Science and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives; Representative Vernon J. Ehlers, Ranking Minority Member, Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, Committee on Science and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives; Honorable Ruben Hinojosa, Congressional Representative from Texas; Dr. Arthur Eisenkraft, Distinguished Professor of Science Education; Director, Center of Science and Math in Context (COSMIC), University of Massachusetts, Boston; Linda K. Froschauer, President, National Science Teachers' Association; K-8 Science Department Chair, Weston Public Schools, Weston, Connecticut; and Dr. Jerry Mundell, Professor of Chemistry, Cleveland State University. H.R. 524, To Establish a Laboratory Science Pilot Program at the National Science Foundation, is appended.