Keep lab notes organized and updated with these techniques
Laboratory work is important for students like Steven Rindner, a bio major. For students and practitioners in various fields of science, lab notes are important in keeping track of findings and progress. As working on experiments require accuracy, scientists must note down every detail they are working with. Below are some tips to keep lab notes organized and updated.
Always remember to put the date and the page number
There are many students and scientists who want their lab notes to look clean and organized as much as possible. This is why many have a notepad where they can jot down their observations and other information as quick as possible. When taking notes, it’s good practice 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. When referencing observations or diagrams, it would be easier to note when using the page number.
Create a template
Having an outline to fill in will save a scientist so much time as Steven Rindner, bio student has seen through the years. For those who tend to forget to document important parts of the experiment such as initial information, observations, and results, preparing a template will allow them to have structured notes right from the beginning.
Write with others in mind
According to Steven Rindner, bio major, one of the ways to keep a lab notebook neat and detailed is to think of the people who might read it. 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 it’s for study or replication, a well-written laboratory book will provide them with all the information they might need.
