Demonstrations performed by the teacher should not be counted as part of the time devoted to laboratory activities, unless they involve a significant response and self-directed extension of the experience by the students. Some of the activities may be more open-ended than others. Students should be encouraged to design and conduct their own investigations, when appropriate. Consideration should be given to the use of microscale experimentation. The low cost of most microscale equipment.
Many items are available in bulk from biomedical suppliers.
An almost complete elimination of waste disposal problems. A reduction in safety hazards. Not only are smaller quantities likely to present less severe safety hazards, but the use of plasticware precludes the possibility of injury due to broken glass. Most experiments can be performed more quickly on the microscale. Less space will be needed for storage as the volume of chemicals will be less.