Maths, STEM and Science

Year 11 Lab Skills

On Tuesday, 23rd of June, the Year 11 Lab Skills students were introduced to specialised equipment and standards by two representatives from WestLab, Ted Fowler and Mark Bourke. WestLab is a well-known supplier of laboratory equipment to professional working laboratories, university laboratories and school laboratories. 

Ted and Mark who were both well-versed in the lab. Frankly, one would have expected that the incursion would include the usual equipment seen at school such as the good ol’ Bunsen burner, the grand, luxurious pipette, and the all-spectacular stirring rod. However, it actually was spectacular and exciting to see and play with all the new equipment, where some of us have never seen or even heard of before in our lives. For example, instead of heating reagents in hot water, laboratories now use heated metallic beads to avoid contamination; being introduced to equipment that specialises in determining the melting point of substances; and centrifugation in action.

There was not only the introduction of new equipment, but also the standards required in the laboratory to maintain safety. Ted and Mark outlined the 5 different ‘S’s” (Lean): Sort, set in order, sustain, shine and standardise, these all promote the safety of workers in the laboratory. We were able to clearly understand the importance of protection, particularly in an environment where precision and organisation are the main requirements in order to ensure a safe and risk-free environment. 

Ted and Mark emphasised the importance of organisation in not only the laboratory but also in our daily life, they did so by showing us colourful diagrams and images. Furthermore, we were able to participate in an interactive activity where we were given a set of mixed up numbers, our goal was to circle the numbers in order as quickly as we can. After this activity, it was clear that the more ‘decluttered’ the numbers were the more efficient we were, this then relates back to our day- to day life. Even though it may seem logical and even considered as ‘common sense’, it was a surprise how unorganised our habits were and, even though it was a small detail, it nonetheless impacted our productivity and work ethic. 

On behalf of 2020’s Year 11 Lab Skills class, we thank Miss Diep and Ms Merrilees for inviting Ted and Mark from WestLab to present us how to be organised in the laboratory and new equipment.

Michelle Tran, Linda Nguyen & Emily Trang

Year 11 Lab Skills Students