Familiarize yourself with the vacuum pump set-up as well as the three-way valve.
"Active Vacuum"
"Vented"
Examine the three-way valve in the vacuum line, and turn it so that it is in the “vented” position. Connect an empty filter flask to the tubing, and stopper it with a black rubber stopper. Turn on the power to the vacuum pump and practice controlling the 3-way valve.