“There is no such thing as a failed experiment, only experiments with unexpected outcomes.” — Richard Buckminster Fuller
When an experiment doesn’t go to plan, it can be frustrating, especially after you’ve followed every recipe and double-checked every setup.
But not every failed practical is a waste of effort. Often, it’s an opportunity to identify what went wrong and make improvements for next time.
This latest guide from Jacqueline Mitchell, our Territory Sales Manager for South London and the South of England, draws on her experience supporting schools with science equipment. It’s aimed at helping science technicians turn those “it didn’t work!” moments into useful learning experiences.
Here are some simple ways to prepare, adapt and support better outcomes in the prep room:
- Become a historian: Use your knowledge and take note of practical’s which have a history for not going according to plan.
- Always be prepared: Take photos of previous successful set-ups as a reminder and have a backup of chemical solutions and equipment in case the class runs out by mistakes or contamination.
- Trial-run to triumph: Always try experiments first and know what the results will be. Don't be afraid to change things, adjust volumes of solution, or types of products used, and see if you can get a better result.
- Fresh is vital: Making up fresh solutions just before the lesson starts is another way to ensure that you are giving the best fighting chance for a practical to succeed.
- Let nature be your ally: Biology practical’s can be the most difficult to get right every time. This is due to the essence of the plant and animal life that you will be using. Think about where the ‘Pond Weed practical’ sits in the curriculum - are you trying to complete this in December? Rather than fight nature, how can we help it to be on our side? You could suggest for it to be covered during a more seasonally appropriate time. Whilst you are at it, this would also apply for any other practical’s requiring plant life to photosynthesise!
- Partnership is key: Getting your department on board is a great step in the right direction. Become an integral part of the science department and let them see your skill and you will be surprised how they will incorporate your ideas especially when they see the results.
- Be visible: Can you offer to assist in the lesson and try and keep the pupils on track. Encourage the competitive side of the class and suggest ‘Beat the technician’ and see if they can obtain results like yours.
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