Learning by doing is the whole point of the constructivist theory
of education. For a nice reference, take a look at the National Academy of
Sciences book "How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School. It is
on the web at http://books.nap.edu/catalog/6160.html
I have a very brief summary of highlights of this book at: http://www.sci-ed-ga.org/standards/howpeoplelearn.html
The NSF has supported the development of this type of curricula,
which are widespread at the K-6 level. The programs, Full Option Science
System (Lawrence Hall of Science), Science and Technology for Children
(NSRC), and Insights are widely used. Similar programs are just being
released for middle school. The programs are age appropriate, based on the
learning cycle, and consist of multipart, linked investigations.
Dr. Lawrence D. Woolf; Phone: (858)-455-4475; www.sci-ed-ga.org
General Atomics; 3550 General Atomics Court; San Diego CA 92121-1194