New Laboratory Protocol

I have found in the General Chemistry Labs, two consistent observations:

  1. Students that are well prepared gather more understanding and are more efficient in the lab

  2. Students never prepare

I finally have had enough of this and have implemented a new protocol. This involves a bit more lab complexity, but it is worth the effort. A typical schedule is given below. In essence, a theory lecture is given the week ahead and the pre-labs are turned in,  graded and returned before the lab. The quiz is over the current lab. When they come into the lab, they are thinking and studying for that lab, not the previous week. I also post pre-quizzes for practice which all faculty are welcome send their students and access.

Feedback in the Discussion Board is welcome!

Jez

Instructions given to students:

 Preparation: Beginning 1-week prior to lab

  • Gather notes from recitation and begin reading the next lab.
  • Carry out pre-lab exercises using the lab write-up and notes as guides.
  • E-mail or come by my office for assistance in completing the prelab or for more understanding
  • Go to www.drjez.com/uco and get the practice quiz which will be posted weekly. Attempt to take the quiz without consulting notes.
  • Monday: Go to web site and gather the answers to the practice quiz. Evaluate your weak points and reinforce your understanding. Consult me if needed for assistance.

 Upon Arrival in Class:

  • Turn in Pre-Lab. (Will be considered late if not turned in immediately)
  • Take Lab Quiz.

Recitation period:

  • Discussion of concepts and calculations for the following week laboratory.
  • Discussion of the execution of current week laboratory.

 In Lab:

  • Complete the laboratory as instructed in recitation.
  • Record all data and measurement to the correct accuracy.

Completion:

  • Complete the laboratory and assigned Post-Lab Questions.
  • Turn in 1 lab report per group with both names on report sheet.
  • Include a complete set of calculations on a separate sheet, attached.

 Be sure that:

  • Any unknown ID numbers are included.
  • All data and calculations are presented in a coherent and continuous manner and include:
    • Appropriate significant figures on all quantities.
    • Specific units on all quantities. (ex.  “grams Salicyclic acid”,  not “grams”)
    • Annotations to guide the reader.
  • All answers to questions:
    • Are presented in complete sentences when needed with appropriate punctuation.
    • Include correct spelling.
    • Are grammatically correct.
    • Are neat and readable