Jennifer Nester Griffin

Spring 2016

Independent Study in
Lab Science
WELCOME TO THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT!
We are excited to have your help in running the Science Department smoothly!
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:
1 A portfolio/binder
Ear buds or headphone
2 Sheet protectors
Highlighter
3

Pen or Pencil
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
Classroom Assisting
Creation of Resources

25%
25%
50%

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.
Your Final Exam will be teacher made It will consist of two parts: 1. Portfolio 50% and 2. Presentation of
what you learned throughout the semester 50%.

Classroom Rules
2
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Respect yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and the furnishings of the room
Come to class on time and prepared
Ask permission before speaking and getting out of your seat
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!

Contact Information
Name: Jennifer Nester Griffin
E-mail: griffij1@pitt.k12.nc.us
Cell Phone: (252) 493-6478 (Google Voice text messaging preferred)
Website: http://jennifergriffin.weebly.com/