New Lab Equipment Needed for a Better Learning Environment

News
By Sophie Ahmed
Husky Herald Reporter

  Students are required to take at least one chemistry class at Port Huron Northern and can go on to take more advanced science courses such as AP Chemistry and AP Biology.  All three of these courses involve laboratory work to meet curriculum standards.  

  Much of the AP exams for both AP Chemistry and AP Biology are lab-based, meaning that the questions are based upon experiments students were supposed to conduct throughout the school year.  Some of these experiments are quite excelled, given that AP classes are a college course equivalent, this is to be expected.  

  But what is also expected is that the students are given the appropriate materials to carry out these experiments.

  Port Huron Northern’s laboratory equipment often fits the bare minimum prerequisite for these classes’ laboratory work.  Dated, damaged, and defective, the chemistry lab equipment is in need of a serious revamp and the science students of Port Huron Northern agree.

  “It would be good if Northern invested in some new equipment, it would simultaneously be an investment in the success of the students,” said Aishah Ahmed (‘16).

  According to bbc.co, better equipment leads to higher productivity and efficiency.  Because of the high volume of regular-chemistry students, an increased efficiency level can allow more classes to complete more experiments per year and prepare entry-level class students for higher level class labs.

  A gradual update of equipment could also be a viable option.  Some lab pieces are in good condition, such as the titration equipment.  Titration is a major part of the AP Chemistry exam and often appears in both multiple choice and free response questions.

  “One thing that was really good last year was the titration equipment, I really got a grasp for the topic because of all the labs we did with it,” said Andrea Johnson(‘17), referring to her experience as an AP Chemistry student during the ‘14-’15 school year.

  Students aren’t looking for a complete turnover of the chem lab, just some of the basic equipment.  “The ring stands sometimes slide down in the middle of testing,” said Ruchi Wankhede(‘17).

Northern’s goal of increasing the rigor and success of STEM classes must acknowledge the necessity of updating some pieces of lab equipment.  “It has the potential to raise enthusiasm and scores” said Ahmed.