Lab Performance Contract

Certain aspects of chemistry instructional labs are performance based. Proper preparation, use of equipment, lab techniques, awareness/adherence to safety procedures/rules, and understanding of concepts/calculations are all essential to a successful lab experience. You will be evaluated by your TA in all or many of these areas. Ask your TA or instructor if you are unclear about any of the requirements.  Please read, initial, and then sign and date the following contract:

Lab Preparation

In order to safely and effectively conduct laboratory work you must prepare in advance. Please initial the following statements:

· I will carefully read the experiment in advance of the lab period an experiment is to be started. _________(please initial)

· I will complete any required pre-lab work such as pre-lab questions, loncapa work, and/or outlining the experimental procedure before the lab period on the experiment starting date listed in the syllabus. _________(please initial)

Points will be deducted for poor or no preparation.

Safety

Working safely is critical. Being aware of safety hazards for each experiment, following proper precautions, and knowing what to do in case of an emergency are essential.

· I have read and understand the safety information in the introduction of the lab manual or the safety material posted on the instructional labs homepage and will follow all the safety guidelines listed there. _________(please initial)

· I have viewed the MSDS video in the past 3 years and will review any MSDS material as needed for an experiment. _________(please initial)

· I have completed the MSDS tutorial/quiz and submitted the completion certificate to my TA in the last 3 years. _________(please initial)

· Viewing the video tape on the Safety Shower/Eyewash Use in the last 3 years is required for CHM152L students and higher. I have viewed this tape if required. _________(please initial)

· Viewing of the fume hood video is required for CHM 230L/235L or all other upper division labs at least once in the last 3 years. I have viewed this taped if required. _________(please initial)

· I will properly prepare for each lab experiment paying special attention to specific chemical or other hazards. _________(please initial)

· I will wear proper eye protection, usually goggles, at all times while in lab unless the TA or instructor indicate otherwise. _________(please initial)

· I will follow safe lab techniques and use hazardous waste bottles properly at all times. _________(please initial)

· I will immediately report chemicals spills to my TA and will then clean them up if directed to do so by my TA. _________(please initial)

· I will use fume hoods properly, clean my work areas in the hoods, and close the hood window (sash) when work in them is complete_________(please initial).

I understand repeat or major violations will result in major point deductions and/or permanent removal from the lab course_________(please initial).

Use of Equipment and Lab Techniques

Proper use of lab equipment and performance of lab techniques are part of the essential objectives of every lab course. All equipment must be used correctly especially the following:

· I will use balances correctly. This includes never pouring over the balance, only placing clean and dry containers on the balance and cleaning up any spills in the area of the balance I make_________ (please initial).

· I will use pipettors correctly at all times. This includes always pointing the attached pipet tip down and removing the tip when not using the pipettor ________ (please initial)

· I will wipe down my work areas with a damp sponge when done with lab work and rinse out the sponge every lab period_________ (please initial).

· I will clean all glassware used during the lab period by using soap as needed and rinsing several times with warm tap water and once with RO pure water (and never put dirty glassware in my bin or workstation) every lab period_________(please initial). Note: Use the RO water tap for filling your wash bottle. Use RO rinse tub or your wash bottle to rinse glassware.

· Hot objects can damage the lab bench surface. I will never put hot objects on bench top and will instead place hot objects on the ring stand base or porcelain hot pads provided ________(please initial)

· I will ensure my workstation locker(s) and space is complete, neat and clean at the end of each lab period (and locker or bin at semester's end) for the next student and will replace any glassware I break at the chemistry stockroom (this will be billed to me). I will never remove glassware from another student's workstation, locker, or bin and understand that I will be asked to drop the lab course if this does happen_________ (please initial).

· I will get instruction from the TA or instructor before use of major lab instrumentation ________ (please initial)

You will be expected to master core concepts and calculations for this lab and failure to do so will result in point deductions. As data is collected you will be required to immediately record data directly on a report sheet or lab notebook in pen. Never erase or obliterate data. I understand these requirements________ (please initial).

Most work is done individually in lower division chemistry labs. At times you will be allowed to share data when group work is done only as directed by your instructor or TA. Unless directed by the instructor or TA, I will never copy or plagiarize data, answers, reports, or other material from another student's work or use another student's unknown and understand that verified instances of such behavior will be penalized (you could fail the course or worse). I will not write a group report unless directed to do so by the instructor or TA. Also, I will always cite material taken from the lab manual or other references in reports or other lab related work. ________ (please initial).

I will follow the policies listed in this contract and understand that failure to adhere to the above requirements will result in loss of points in the course (at least 5 points per occurrence in CHM 151L, 152L, 230L or 235L) and in particularly grievous violations removal for the day or permanent remove from the lab course with a failing grade.

Signature_________________________ Date_______ Class #______ Section Letter___

Print Name__________________________ Dana ID______ Student ID#____________