Tips from Teacher’s Assistant Jessica Bocanegra, CHEM 031
Introductory level chemistry lab reports are often informal compared to professional lab write-ups. Most labs are run by teaching assistants (TAs) who also do the grading of lab reports and any other written work. In the lab reports, some TAs want just the calculations and results whereas some ask for a detailed introduction, procedure, and materials as well. Because of this, knowing exactly what your TA wants in the lab reports is crucial to your success in the lab. Ask your lab TA what parts of a lab report he/she is looking for and make sure to stick close to what they say. Below is an interview with Chemistry 031 Teaching Assistant Jessica Bocanegra:
What is one thing that students must never forget about when writing in chemistry?
The one thing that I think students should never forget about writing in chemistry is the more descriptive you are, the better! Walking through every step of your procedure and noting every part of the experiment is SO important for anyone reading your lab report. You want to make sure the reader gets the whole picture and understands fully what went on in the lab. My undergraduate advisor always said “a reader should be able to pick up your lab report and replicate exactly what you did in the lab.
What makes you go “Wow” when reading lab reports? –In a good way?
I am really impressed (in a good way) when I read a lab report and the student just completely understands the concept of the experiment they are writing about. It is always really satisfying, as a TA, to know that your students truly understand what they are doing in lab and how it relates to what they are learning in class.
What makes you go “Wow” when reading lab reports? –In a bad way?
I’m usually not impressed when students leave post-lab questions blank or they don’t put a lot of thought into their introductions and conclusions.
What can turn a good lab report into a great lab report?
Kind of going off of the last question, you can EASILY turn a good lab report into a great lab report by just putting a little effort into it! Don’t try to write up a lab report an hour before it is due! That usually never works out in your favor. Try to do the lab reports ahead of time so you can get answers to anything you don’t understand.
What is your favorite database for online research?
SCIFINDER! It is a FANTASTIC resource for online researching. As a UVM student, you get access to a myriad of different journal articles, editorials and commentaries. You can also search not only for the name of a journal article, but you can search specific molecular structures. This database is definitely my go-to if I need references for chemistry projects or papers.
Any last advice for writing in chemistry, whether for the intro courses or upper levels or lab reports specifically?
Writing in chemistry can be tricky, but (like anything else) “practice makes the master” (in the words of my PI). You can go to TA or your professor’s office hours, stop by the tutoring center, or even purchase books that are specifically for learning the art of writing in chemistry. There are a multitude of resources at your disposal here at UVM so don’t be afraid to use them! Keep at it, work hard and pretty soon it will come naturally to you!
Interviewer: Owen Hudson