Lab 4

I have been a lab TA for 4 terms before this, with about 250 unique students passing through my labs. My core values have always been 1- get them out of the lab as quickly as I can while allowing them to efficiently complete the lab, 2- try to get them to learn as much as possible, even if it's at the expense of likability. 

The first one is usually well received, especially from the engineering students, whereas the latter is generally hated, as it usually correspond to them getting low marks at the beginning. This week, I will go against my first core value, but hopefully resulting in enhancing my second core value. 

My students will be doing the "Chemical Reactions" lab this week, where they will mix a series of solutions/elements with each other and observe. This is pretty much how I thought about Chemistry as a young student, and the thought drifts in and out as I became a more mature student. I want to give the students enough time to enjoy and be awed with how the similar reactions will result in varying results that could be observed. 

I will also not be telling them to start at different points of the procedure. This will create bottlenecks as everyone will be needing the same two reagents at any given time. The time lost to waiting for reagents will hopefully be made up by no one using the wrong combinations, as well as provide them a little bit more freedom to enjoy the experiment. This will likely also encourage the mindless mixing of chemicals. 

I hope I do not come to regret treating it this way.