What’s a lab FOR? Working Together to Optimize the Laboratory Experience and Teaching Space

 

Nickle, T., N. McInerney, & J. Heitz

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2010, Volume 31

Abstract

The laboratory is a learning environment in which students must not only refine their skills, but must also do so in a safe manner. The mental skills of dealing with uncertainty and experimental design should be challenged at the same time that physical laboratory skills are learned. In addition, the space in which students work on their laboratory skills is of the utmost importance for students as it determines their safety while being challenged to become competent scientists. This ABLE session provided a round table for a dialogue about planning and organizing both laboratory experiences and teaching space. Participants collaborated to come up with the skills and abilities that we think laboratories should be designed to build. A hands-on demonstration showed how an open-ended investigative lab can be constructed using simple equipment. Following this several laboratory designs submitted by colleagues were showcased. Ideas about what is good in these laboratory designs and what could be improved were investigated.

Keywords:  laboratory

University of Delaware (2009)