Using science lab for bio experiments in high school research

Science
1

Hi,

My son intends to write a high research paper and perform simple experiments in the lab related to that( mentored by a family member always present with him). I intend to buy the membership for myself, my son ( turning 16 in Feb) and his mentor ( my cousin) to use the lab premises for the same.

I was pointed to the group by Dallas maker space accounts about understanding the rules as well as next steps in understanding how to get access as well touch base with the group here
before I buy the membership.

Please point me in the right direction. Can I go ahead and buy the memberships for 2 adults for these usage purposes? How do we learn about the lab? What are the specific rules or usage/safety?

Appreciate your responses.
Thanks,
Shyamala

2

Welcome. The science lab space is intended for this type of usage. Since he will be over 16 and will be supervised by a trained mentor, I don’t think that this will be a problem. As a policy we do want people using the lab space to be 16 or older, but exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis (we had an 11 year old build a nuclear fusor for example).

I am the lab safety officer at the moment as well as the one handling the waste that you will generate. You will need to send me a list of the proposed experiments, reactions, waste products etc. (basically an experimental plan). You will also need to take the lab safety class that I have just started to offer. While you are ultimately responsible for your own safety, we do provide training and advice.

Please do come to the 12/29 monthly meeting if you can make it. If you cannot, please stop by one of our Science Sunday events at 3PM on Sundays. In terms of membership, you would probably want to buy one full membership and then 2 add on memberships which are $15 each.

1 Like
3

Thank you for the response. I will buy the memberships and attend the Sunday meeting.

We can provide the experimental plan and waste to be generated as well. Please let me know if there is in an email we can send it to.

Please let me know when we can use the lab safety class. We are hoping to use the winter break to make some progress for the experiment. Thank you.

4

[email protected] is where you will want to send this.

Depending on what you need, we may be able to help with chemical/reagent ordering (which can be very difficult) as I have just gone through the process of setting up accounts with Sigma, Fischer, and VWR for DMS. We do not cover the costs of chemicals/supplies for personal projects but we may do so for group research projects. See: sciencesunday.org.

5

I’m offering it for the first time on 12/22 but that class is full. When is his winter break?

6

Winter break is Dec 21 - Jan 5th

7

Hello,

I purchased the membership and I am planning to attend the meeting today at 2.30 PM CST. Do I need a key to enter the building to attend the meeting?

Thanks,
Shyamala

8

Today we have an informal office hours at 3PM. You will need a badge but there will be plenty of people so someone should be able to let you in. We can help you get a badge then.

9

Took a quick look at the experimental plan and the experiment looks very straightforward to me. Should be fine in my opinion.