Pipettor use

What will students do in this lab?

In this lab, students will practice careful pipetting.

Accurate pipette use is critical to success in lab work. We often use very tiny amounts of liquid, and if we don't add exactly the right amount to our reaction, the reaction just won't work.

Learning goals

By the end of this exercise, you should be able to

• use a micropipet to accurately measure and transfer liquids.

• avoid common mistakes that result in inaccurate measurements.

• properly care for and handle micropipets.

• choose the correct pipette based on the volume of liquid to be pipetted.

Safety Information

Everything in this lab is safe, and may be disposed of in the trash or sink. It is just food coloring.

Just don't stab yourself in the eye with a pipette tip :-)

Background: Pipettor use

Read this for more information about the proper use of a pipettor.

Assignment: Pipettor use pre-lab

Multiple choice assessment on pipettor use for students to take prior to the pipetting activity

Activity: Pipetting

Carry out this pipetting activity to practice accurate pipetting.

Then submit a photo of your pipetted food coloring.

Assignment: Show your pipetting

Submit a video of yourself pipetting. Show good technique. Make sure you aren't pipetting air bubbles, hold pipettor upright, don't pipette too fast. This is to ensure that you have good pipettor technique before you move on to the actual lab work, where it is critical.

Teacher Note:

It is essential to give rapid feedback on each student's pipetting video. Accurate pipetting is fundamental to successful lab work.