Independent Study in Lab Science
Course Description
Lab assistants will be assisting Science teachers in three areas: lab preparation and assisting; classroom assisting; and creation of remedial resources for students. Throughout the semester lab assistants will be creating and maintaining a portfolio of all their projects. The final exam will include two parts: the completed portfolio and a presentation on their experiences to members of the school. Due to the nature of the class, you will be serving in a unique position at SCHS. You will be expected to assist patrons both students and staff in addition to completing science class-work assignments and projects. Patrons will look to you for help. You must always assist eagerly and politely.
What does it mean to be an Assistant?
According to the dictionary; an assistant is a person who assists or gives aid and support; helper. It is also a person who is subordinate to another in rank, function, etc; one holding a secondary rank in an office or post. In other words: you will NOT be the teacher but you will be above the other students in the class. You responsibilities usually include supervising laboratories and assisting in teaching.
What does it mean to be a Lab Assistant?
Lab Assistants in schools support the work of science teachers and science students. They set up the equipment needed to conduct school science lessons, and ensure that students are able to safely use the equipment provided. Lab Assistants set up, test and make use of scientific equipment which range from basic microscopes to complex chemicals and research equipment. Before an experiment, laboratory assistants process specimens and prepare the proper experimental set up. Afterward, they clean and maintain the lab and equipment. As a laboratory assistant, you may operate a wide selection of laboratory equipment and instruments, such as microscopes and Vernier probe ware, in addition to following lab safety procedures and recording detailed data during lab tests. You must also follow written and verbal directions given by the science teachers. Laboratory assistants are in charge of cleaning lab instruments, sterilizing the test area, calibrating test equipment, keeping inventory of lab equipment, and following safety procedures when handling dangerous chemicals. Laboratory assistants also ensure that the laboratory is stocked with the necessary supplies.
What skills should a Lab Assistant have?
To work as lab assistants in schools, it is essential to have a keen interest in science, a methodical mind, and an ability to pay attention to fine detail. Lab technicians in schools require an interest in education and excellent communication skills. Lab technicians may be required to demonstrate the use of scientific equipment, so good presentation skills and self-confidence are a must.
Materials
Each student will need to bring the following items to class each day:
A portfolio/binder Ear buds or headphone Pen or Pencil
Sheet protectors Highlighter Colored pencils
Classroom Organization & Participation
Collaborative group work is a key component of this class. Therefore ALL in class work will be completed in small groups. Each individual student will be required to record their class activities (labs, worksheets, etc) in their portfolio. Keeping a neat and orderly portfolio will be critical to student success! Students will participate in ‘meetings’ daily with Mrs. Griffin. All students will be required to actively participate in these regular meetings. Student participation will also be critical to their success!
Grading
Lab Preparation and Assisting 40%
Creation of Resources 35%
Online Lab Tutorials 25%
Assessments
There are three major parts of this class you will be graded on during each 6 weeks.
Classroom Rules
Respect yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and the furnishings of the room
Come to class on time and prepared
Distracting yourself and others is not acceptable
You will not be able to make copies or go into any teacher lounge. You are still students and not faculty members.
You must wear your name badge as your hall pass during this class!
Cell Phone Policy
You may use your cell phone in any ways to help you with your assignments. However, you should not appear to be absorbed in your phone. If it becomes a distraction, you will be asked to put it away.
Disclosure
You will have access to sensitive information and expensive equipment. You have been recommended and chosen for this position so we expect you to maintain security or both the information and equipment!
Lab assistants will be assisting Science teachers in three areas: lab preparation and assisting; classroom assisting; and creation of remedial resources for students. Throughout the semester lab assistants will be creating and maintaining a portfolio of all their projects. The final exam will include two parts: the completed portfolio and a presentation on their experiences to members of the school. Due to the nature of the class, you will be serving in a unique position at SCHS. You will be expected to assist patrons both students and staff in addition to completing science class-work assignments and projects. Patrons will look to you for help. You must always assist eagerly and politely.
What does it mean to be an Assistant?
According to the dictionary; an assistant is a person who assists or gives aid and support; helper. It is also a person who is subordinate to another in rank, function, etc; one holding a secondary rank in an office or post. In other words: you will NOT be the teacher but you will be above the other students in the class. You responsibilities usually include supervising laboratories and assisting in teaching.
What does it mean to be a Lab Assistant?
Lab Assistants in schools support the work of science teachers and science students. They set up the equipment needed to conduct school science lessons, and ensure that students are able to safely use the equipment provided. Lab Assistants set up, test and make use of scientific equipment which range from basic microscopes to complex chemicals and research equipment. Before an experiment, laboratory assistants process specimens and prepare the proper experimental set up. Afterward, they clean and maintain the lab and equipment. As a laboratory assistant, you may operate a wide selection of laboratory equipment and instruments, such as microscopes and Vernier probe ware, in addition to following lab safety procedures and recording detailed data during lab tests. You must also follow written and verbal directions given by the science teachers. Laboratory assistants are in charge of cleaning lab instruments, sterilizing the test area, calibrating test equipment, keeping inventory of lab equipment, and following safety procedures when handling dangerous chemicals. Laboratory assistants also ensure that the laboratory is stocked with the necessary supplies.
What skills should a Lab Assistant have?
To work as lab assistants in schools, it is essential to have a keen interest in science, a methodical mind, and an ability to pay attention to fine detail. Lab technicians in schools require an interest in education and excellent communication skills. Lab technicians may be required to demonstrate the use of scientific equipment, so good presentation skills and self-confidence are a must.
Materials
Each student will need to bring the following items to class each day:
A portfolio/binder Ear buds or headphone Pen or Pencil
Sheet protectors Highlighter Colored pencils
Classroom Organization & Participation
Collaborative group work is a key component of this class. Therefore ALL in class work will be completed in small groups. Each individual student will be required to record their class activities (labs, worksheets, etc) in their portfolio. Keeping a neat and orderly portfolio will be critical to student success! Students will participate in ‘meetings’ daily with Mrs. Griffin. All students will be required to actively participate in these regular meetings. Student participation will also be critical to their success!
Grading
Lab Preparation and Assisting 40%
Creation of Resources 35%
Online Lab Tutorials 25%
Assessments
There are three major parts of this class you will be graded on during each 6 weeks.
- Lab preparation and assisting: You will be setting up labs and cleaning up after the labs. You will also be responsible for helping to manage students during the lab.
- Classroom assisting: You will be asked to remediate small groups of students, help with read alouds and separate setting, and help in making interactive bulletin boards in the classrooms.
- Creation of Resources: You will be asked to create resources to help in science classrooms. For example: making review games and remediation materials.
Classroom Rules
Respect yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and the furnishings of the room
Come to class on time and prepared
Distracting yourself and others is not acceptable
You will not be able to make copies or go into any teacher lounge. You are still students and not faculty members.
You must wear your name badge as your hall pass during this class!
Cell Phone Policy
You may use your cell phone in any ways to help you with your assignments. However, you should not appear to be absorbed in your phone. If it becomes a distraction, you will be asked to put it away.
Disclosure
You will have access to sensitive information and expensive equipment. You have been recommended and chosen for this position so we expect you to maintain security or both the information and equipment!