Development and improvement of methods of physical laboratory practicum from the second half of XIX century to the present time

Physics is an experimental science Methodological building of it is based on experimental confirmation of theoretical constructions. The explorations in experimental physics can be divided into three parts: preparation, measurement and processing of the results. Each of these parts requires special skills that need to be learned. A special role in the methodical system of modern physical education is occupied by practicum, where students get the skills necessary in each part of the experimental work. In the universities of natural profile and specialized schools has developed a system of teaching practical physics, which is based on the sequence of educational actions of the students. First, the student learns the theory necessary to perform the work of the physical research. Then receives the so-called "admission to work", talking with the teacher about the purpose of the work, the order of its implementation, instrumentation, etc. After performing in the allotted time, the experimental study, the processing of measurements, and then defend the results and receives an assessment for the work. This methodological triad has developed in all practicum. As noted by many teachers, currently interest to practical study decreased, which means the need to improve the methods used in them. In order to suggest ways to improve the methods of practical work, it is proposed to trace the historical retrospective of the emergence of physical practicums and their existing teaching methods from the moment of occurrence of it to the present time.