Hang on…summer break is coming soon!
I’m sure you have plans and personal projects you are looking forward to AFTER you recover from a busy school year. When you’re ready to think about school again, make a little time to plan for next year. I wrote about this in my very first blog in July 2022, but this time I want to talk about planning for labs that you’d like to do.
Planning
Look over the district or school curriculum for biology and determine key labs you would like to include. Visualize doing these labs in your classroom with your potential students, then assess your comfort level. If you feel comfortable with a lab, make a note of equipment and supplies needed.
Check your lab equipment and supplies for the materials you need. Some classrooms are equipped with lab materials, but in some schools, lab equipment and supplies may be housed in a central location. You may be unsure of procedures regarding the check-out process. If you have questions, ask a colleague or department head. You may be able to meet with them at the school to look over the inventory and get information.
If you need to order lab supplies, find out when funding is available and have your wish-list ready. Prioritize this list so you get what is most needed first. Order as soon as you are allowed.
Funding is limited, so make sure that the labs you plan are pertinent to the standards. (Biology Labs: Choosing Wisely)
Lab Equipment
Are there enough microscopes, balances, heating blocks, test tubes, test tube racks etc. to set up lab stations for your classes?
Does any of the equipment need repair or replacement?
Do you need training on some of the equipment?
Consumables
How are the supplies of microscope slides, coverslips, pipettes, etc.?
Are there consumables that can be purchased at dollar stores, grocery stores or online? Be aware that you may need to use your own money for these purchases, but you may get a better value.
Do you see lab kits that are incomplete? These may be depleted and/or unusable. Can parts of the kit be salvaged?
Funding
How do you access funds available for lab equipment and supplies? Equipment may come from a separate fund than the lab supplies. Repairs may come from another fund.
Colleagues, the department head, the principal or your district science specialist are people who will know where to get funds for labs.
Performing labs with your students can be a fulfilling and productive endeavor. Planning is the key to making lab time enjoyable for you and your students.
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