To study a subject best, understand it thoroughly before you start. To do a lab really well, have your report done well in advance. If you can't get the answer in the usual manner, start at the answer and derive the question. If that doesn't work, start at both ends and try to find a common middle. In case of doubt, make it sound convincing.
Team work is essential.
It allows you to blame someone else. All unmarked beakers contain fast-acting, extremely toxic poisons. If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you have tried. If nobody uses it, there's a reason. If it should exist, it doesn't.