Student hacks: Make sure your lab notes are in order

According to Steven Rindner, a bio student, lab notes are important in keeping track of findings and progress. Working on experiments requires accuracy, and people working in labs must note down every detail they are working with.

In today's blog, Steven Rindner shares some tips to ensure lab notes are always in order.

Dates and page numbers

It is ideal for students to have their lab notes look as clean and organized as possible. This is why many of them have a notepad to jot down their observations and other information as quickly as possible.

When taking notes, it is always good to date and number the pages to avoid mix-ups, especially when using loose sheets. This will also make recalling information easier, especially when transferring to the official lab notes. In addition, when referencing observations or diagrams, it would be easier to note when using the page number, bio major Steven Rindner adds.

Templates and outlines

Having templates and outlines to fill in will save students much time trouble. For those who tend to forget to document important parts of the experiment, such as initial information, observations, and results, preparing templates and outlines will allow them to have structured notes right from the start.

Other reader

One of the ways to keep a lab notebook neat and detailed is to think of the people who might read it. Bio student Steven Rindner points out that professors, fellow researchers, supervisors, and other students might use it as a reference in the future.

The goal is to make the experiment and its results understandable for their benefit. Whether for study or replication, a well-written laboratory book will provide them with all the information they might need.