Blog Post 6 - Delaney

            In my academy sophomore chemistry class, Mr. Ratliff assigned the “Big Lab. ” Big Lab requires students to perform qualitative tests on vials with unique combinations of substances for each student. It asked students to correctly identify the ions in the solutions. 

            Leading up to this project (worth a major part of our grade), upperclassmen frequently told horror stories of how intensely difficult the experience was for them. Frankly, Big Lab seemed terrifying.

            Then, the time came to begin big lab. It went relatively well – I repeated a few sections and missed identifying a few ions. But I worked through it. Once I got my bearings, I genuinely enjoyed Big Lab. Something about the process, the lab procedures, the equipment, the science. Solving problems through my knowledge of chemistry. I found myself looking forward to putting on the silly goggles and starting up the Bunsen burner. I wished Big Lab would never end.

          Before my sophomore year, I thought I might want to study chemistry in college. After Big Lab I understood that I want to go into chemical engineering. It changed the way I envision my future career.