Tips For Writing Lab Reports

Hi, sweeties

Today, I'd like to face the reality of taking science courses...all students must learn to write formal lab reports. Lab reports seem very determined and organised in terms of criteria, although they are far more demanding than what they ask for. Here are some tips on how to make your lab report professional.

1. Overall Structure

Be aware of the structure your professor wants the lab report to be followed. Make sure you space out properly, use an appropriate font and have page numbers or whatever else is required. You should have a title page, underline or bold the headings, as well as have footnotes for all related or researched vocabulary. I'd suggest, before writing the actual report, create all heading and sub-headings to make sure they are in the same "design" and only then, fill out the information.
While looking the report over, see if there are any big white spaces, and cover them up as nicely, as possible.

2. Language

No doubt, you must be using all appropriate terms, although other than this - the language must be very confident and clear, meaning do not make phrases up or do not try to make your report sound like a poem.
Often, in my rubric for a lab report, I'll have a suggestion "be thorough - make sure a 12 year old would understand an experiment, comprehending this the first time". Use footnotes, diagrams (where appropriate) and make sure for correct spelling and grammar.
Obviously, avoid slang, since it is not professional. Repetition is fine, although only apply repetition in different sections and rephrase the information properly. All lab reports, have to be written in Past Passive tense, and no pronouns are to be used!!!

3. Content

The content of a lab report must be detailed (cover all concepts) and precise (don't run on with an explanation). Use numbers whenever required, as well as include any tables, pictures or graphs based on the experiment.
The content, would of course, depend on a topic of a lab report, but make sure to record all observations carefully, and note any potential defects. Also, make sure you apply the concepts discussed in class,by analysing the results of an experiment.
Reassure that you've covered all topics, by referring to the guide or the rubric.

4. Final Appearance

A lab report must be presented professional. Pages have to be clean, straight and ideally, a lab report should be presented in a folder. Make sure to include a rubric, if you have to.



CHECK THIS OUT!!!!!!!  https://www.ncsu.edu/labwrite/lc/lc-improvinglaprep.htm

Active Studying Methods

Hey, honeys!

The school year has started and we gotta be thinking about certain study methods, that will bring us definite success this year. I want to emphasise that there's no such thing as passive studying, because studying itself just doesn't happen there. In this post, I'll talk about methods and tools you need for active studying and not only you will be much more efficient, but you will also figure out that studying is not boring or depressing.
Remember, that by studying actively, you are stimulating multiple parts of the brain, which serves you a faster skill development and ability to multitask.

1. Use Colour

I know that this tip sounds super basic, but it's not only the highlighters that you can use. You should be using post it notes or flags to emphasise something and that will keep you extra organised. Let's say you just had a lecture; then go ahead and write some questions on a sticky note to quiz yourself later by covering the answers up by that sticky note.

2. Use a White Board

A white board is a spectacular tool for active studying. Not only you are standing (which allows for a constant Oxygen flow) during studying, you are also memorising information much faster. For example, if you have a bio quiz and you have a cycle to learn, make sure to draw it out and erase some sections, to later fill them in and check your memory. You are more than welcome to use different colours, to stimulate your brain for some visual learning. By using a white board, you are getting an extra bonus - you are not using all those extra pieces of paper to draw out a chart or a diagram.

3.  Cue cards

Creating cue cards is a nice quick tool to memorise information. They are very fast to prepare and then, to quiz yourself. Remember that they are also very helpful in the long run, when you are prepping for your finals - you take out those cue cards for each unit, and everything is nicely summed up and ready to refresh your memory.

4. 3 Parts To Reading

To be very efficient, I recommend using an app called Voice Dream Reader (Apple) or any similar app on an Android device, that reads a book for you and as it reads - it highlights the line and the word it is on. Not only you are reading yourself - but you are also hearing and seeing the book. This way, even if you are very sleepy, your brain is still actively visually stimulated.
If you do not have access to the tool, download an audiobook and read along with it, and work through your book thoroughly. I also highly recommend writing little summaries at the end of each (page/chapter etc.) to remember the details that have happened in the book. In these summaries, make sure to mention the plot, characters and any themes or conflicts.

The best of luck!!!

Organising Your Devices For School

Hey, guys

We all most likely have electronics that tremendously help us with our school work whether it'd be a program on your software or a document that we need. I'm here to give you some tips on how to organize your electronic device(s) so that you will be on track with your work. I've combined the tips for all devices (phone, tablet and laptop/desktop), so not all tips will apply for every individual device. 

1. Hierarchy of Folders

I recommend separating your school work into a different folder. In that folder you should create other folders following a hierarchy. The idea is, you should keep your documents and programs all separated in folders, since it will help you in long term, because who says you won't need last year's stuff in the upcoming year?...

2. Time Naming 

I advice you guys name your folders by certain time periods. Let's say if you open your main folder "school" you will find something like "2015" or "grade 12" etc. Even if you gotta name a document, name it by a project name and a due date beside it. It will keep you extra organized. 

3. Clear Up Your Device

Every once in a while, clear up your device from extra photos and programs. This way you can be assured that you will have enough memory on your device to store school work. If you are a type of person who likes to have every single thing saved, then get extra storage or transfer some of your stuff into a different device. 

4. Save

Set up auto-saving or just save your work every 10-15 minutes (set up a reminder in order to remember better), and it will save your day at least once. If you have Apple products, set up your iCloud and make sure it backs you up in case you lose or forget your device. 

And yes, carry that charger!!!

The best of luck, sweeties

Types Of High School Students

Hey sweeties!

It's a few days before school for me, although for all of you whose first day had already passed - the best of luck in your new year; there's a lot of difference you can make in your life; plan ahead!

Today, I'll do a bit of a relaxing post, where I'll talk about a few different types of high school students.  Please do not take this as any kind of offence if you feel like I'm generalising or stereotyping; I'm absolutely aware of the fact that all people are different and unique in their own way.
Enjoy!

1. Overachiever

This, is an obsessive individual who does multiple times more than expected. Overachievers are always ready, know their stuff, but annoy other students and even teachers sometimes with that endless enthusiasm. The negative side of the overachiever - is inability of perceiving to fail. Failing affects them very much, and often they suffer from a mild-intense mental issues deep inside. The positive side - is that they are very intellectual individuals who often contribute a lot to the field of their choice - most likely math or sciences (but not always). Oh, and they often get called "nerds" at school.

2. Athlete

These guys are physically hyperactive, but often a bit more passive at studying. They share their leadership skills, always have a water bottle beside them and compete whenever they can. Same with overachievers, athletes have a hard time perceiving a failure. For the most part though, these guys are optimistic even if they are half dead running 10 km with sweat dripping down their bodies. They most likely wear different attributes of the team or the institution they are playing for everywhere.

3. Underachiever

I'd like to address those students who simply don't even care about studying...at all. They happily accept a passing grade and move on, often living everyday like it's the last day of their lives. These people are most likely very satisfied with themselves, although often have bad habits such as smoking, drinking or drugs. Sometimes they try to impress a prof, but that's a one-in-a-lifetime-thing, just not to fail a course, because they wouldn't prefer to retake it. Sometimes it's great though, to be a little more careless.

4. Gossip Groups

That's not a person, but rather a group of (often) girls with a "popular" leader who is assured that everyone likes her. These people don't really focus on studying until the moment when it is the last chance. Then, the group often breaks down and every individual starts to live their own life.
These (most likely girls) often discuss stuff that doesn't even exist, and for some reason they find it entertaining.

5. Shy

These people are very shy, often satisfied enough with their academic achievements, but rarely somebody knows their names. They most likely either don't have close friends at school or have a little group of friends, and people find them kind of "cute". They do everything on time, and quietly, so that they don't earn any additional attention.

What Makes A Great Public Speaker (How To Present)

Hey, guys!

School is right around the corner for me and most likely has already started for you. If you are in school or in a program that demands a lot of presentations and public speaking experience, I'm here for you to share some of my tips. Before I start, I should mention that presentations require a lot of work done on them, but once you practice - it gets much faster and easier. Here we go!

Preparation Required

This might mean a basic high school presentation, or the whole school in front of you. In either situation - these are the tips when you have and need time to prepare.

1. Research and Brainstorm

For a successful presentation, you definitely have to have thorough content. If the presentation time is limited, try to fit 90% of your research in there, leaving 10% for question-and-answer session. Having mentioned that - ask a few of your friends to ask you a particular question, and then answer it according to your findings, if you don't have a question-answer session pre-set up.
When you are doing your research, try to find a few quotes, statistics or dates, since it helps the audience interpret the information better.
Do not forget to create a very detailed outline based on multiple resources!

2. Plan It Out

It is always a huge advantage to include multiple components into your presentation. Here is an example: an oral component - you; a visually appealing component - a Power Point; and a tangible component - a pamphlet. As simple as that!
So when you have thought of the components that will make up your presentation, think about how to  arrange them properly,  so it will take up a required amount of time.

3. Structure

If you would like to be professional, at first - introduce yourself. Then, introduce your topic. Introduction - if done properly, is the main chance to intrigue the audience and make that first impression.
The body of your presentation, should be thorough, and contain the information, from which the questions must be formed. Here, you should try to impress people with your vocabulary. Once in a while, insert a professionally-sound synonym of the word, and that will play out into your favour.
Of course, create a conclusion. No, do not "rephrase your intro"! Conclusion, like any part of the presentation should be unique. If appropriate, insert your personal opinion on the topic or summarise related theories, although do not insert any new information!

4. Practice

Practicing is vital. Not only it will make you memorise your presentation - it will also make you much more comfortable with it. If you are a type of person who feels uncomfortable presenting - grab a few classmates and casually practice in front of them. Repeat it with a few groups of classmates.
If the audience is unfamiliar, and you are really uncomfortable, keep your text with you and be very organised with your presentation. This way, you don't have to be very nervous; and practice out loud!
Practice the phrases such as "Excuse me, I couldn't hear you" etc. in case you will be needing to use them! Also, if you have that opportunity - practice from the stage you will be presenting on.
If you absolutely need to memorise your presentation - practice it and once you see more and more progress, rely on to your Power Point or whatever visual component you have.
FYI: The visual component must not have and entire text written on it - only a few words or ideas and a nice, appealing design.

5. Get yourself ready

On the day of your presentation, you must feel good about yourself. Dress accordingly, but if you feel particularly uncomfortable with something - revise it. Don't forget about your breath and try not to wear clothes with pockets - because you will try to puts your hands in to it.

6. Present

Everything must be very organised and open in front of you on the stage. Also, make sure that you did your best with practicing - because if you did, then you will be much more confident.
Once you walk out, take your time to feel settled and when you notice a lot of attention -present.
Great your audience; keep your voice louder and clearer and let your hands help you - not  ruin your presentation. If your hands are relieving your nervous condition, keep them on your tangible piece of your presentation or on the device that's controlling your visual part.
Thank the audience for their attention and once you answer all of their questions - thank them again and leave.
Don't forget to hand in any work that you've done on that project in a folder with your name and whatever else on it.

Good Luck!

9 Tips on How to Deal With The Dilemma of Working in Groups

Hi, honeys!

Today, I want to discuss a topic that is very relevant for all of us who are getting the group projects. I, myself don't really like working in groups, because for the most part, I'm the only one who does work. If it is familiar to you, here is how I deal with it...

1. Why?

First of all, you have to understand why that group project is even given to you. In general, they are given in order for you to practice you team work and communication skills; as well as share information and ideas regarding the topic. Even if you really hate group work, you will most likely experience it all throughout your life and career, so why not do really well at it....

2. Divide

You should divide the project into multiple parts (if not already divided) and distribute responsibilities among the group members. If there's an odd number of group members, let the last person edit, or divide the biggest part  of an assignment into 2. Division, is a smart move, because that way everyone deals with more less familiar or interesting to them skills; and even if not - at least practicing new skills...
Also, don't even dare forgetting to set up at least one check point before the deadline.

3. Help Out

If one of your group members doesn't understand the info, help him/her out. It is an act of kindness; the project will turn out better; you will be proud of yourself and your teacher will most likely notice it.

4. Be Equipped

If available or required, find a place where all of the needed resources are available to you and your group members (room with the whiteboard, computer lab, science lab, library, cafe etc.). Also, always come prepared with whatever it is you might need. It will just speed up the process, and serve as an additional experience. Maybe, you will even like it more ;)

5. Dealing With Slackers

We all don't really like people who are slacking off during an assignment. My suggestion is, if that person doesn't want to be helped  - don't spend your time on him/her either; that will just pull the progress back.

6. Find Ways Of Communication

If a project is long term, then take each others phone numbers or create a group on Facebook about the task. This way, you will all stay updated and if no one participates - that's their issue.

7. Plan B

If a group member showed up with no progress done, always remember to document who did which part in the project the day it's given. So, if that had happened, talk to your professor and decide what to do. If a project is small though, you should consider preparing for the entire thing roughly, and do really good on your assigned part.

8. Take Initiative

Taking a leadership position, will only be an advantage to you. If you are academically strong in the subject, it is even a bigger advantage for the whole group. If not, then take care of the communication process between the members. In one word - participate.

9. Hand In Your Drafts

Sign, and hand in your drafts to your professor. This way, the professor can judge who did more work and of which kind. Even if your professor didn't ask for the drafts, hand them in anyways - he can look at the amount of work done by each individual.

P.S. I hope I shouldn't talk about respect, as this is absolutely fundamental. And also, I don't know if you are given an option of choosing your group members, but if yes - just choose wisely ;)

Good Luck!!!