Orientation to the Synergistic Lab
Introduction
Your lab is different from a traditional classroom. This is your lab and it is a
special place where special things happen. It is a place that has been developed
especially for you.
The school has made a large investment in this Synergistic lab so that you can
reach the highest level of success. “We are giving you our best, and we expect
your best.”
A Module
A module is a unit of learning about a specific subject, and has a physical area to
work at. An example of a Module is “Robots”, and its work area is called a
workstation. A module normally takes 4 Blocks of class time to complete and this
is called a rotation. Each module has seven sessions of different activities, with
each session containing a group of closely related ideas that take about 45
minutes to complete.
Module Guide
Session 1 always starts with a Module Guide that has 10 questions that introduce
you to what you are going to learn, and see what you know about the subject
before you start. (Note: the score you get for this activity does not go toward
your final grade)
Module Activities
You will learn knowledge and skills in every module activity you do. Information
will be presented on the computer via text, audio, video, graphics, and animation.
There will be equipment at each module for you to enhance your knowledge by
doing practical activities.
Assessment Questions
In the seven sessions you will find 3 lots of 4 assessment questions. They are
for you to answer at the end of a particular session. The questions are about
what you did or learnt in that or previous sessions. This is Formative
Assessment to check your understanding of the content.
RCA’s (Research Challenge and Application)
At the beginning of sessions 2, 3, 4, and 5 you are required to answer 3 RCA
questions. These questions include a Research, Challenge, and Application
question. You are not expected to know the answers, and must find the answers
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by using the module library, graphs supplied, and math calculations. You may
need to ask the teacher for assistance in solving some of these problems.
Each question answered correctly on the first try is worth 10 points. A
correct answer on a second try is worth 5 points. In this activity arriving at an
answer can be a teamwork activity, although each student will answer the
questions individually. (Note: You are required to record your RCA scores on
the front of your Module Activity Sheet in the “Notes” box.)
Test Review
At the beginning of session 6 you will participate in a Test Review to prepare you
for the Post Test in Session 7. The Test Review should take approximately 10
minutes and is time for you to review what you have learnt in a game format.
(Note: the score you get for this activity does not go toward your final grade)
Post Test
At the beginning of session 7 you will answer 10 Post Test Questions worth 10
points each. The purpose of the Post Test is to see how much knowledge you
have gained after studying the subject. You must answer these questions by
yourself with no reference to a textbook or notes. Your partner must be
away from the workstation seated at the round tables.
(Note: You are required to record your Post Test Score on the front of your
Module Activity Sheet)
To prepare for the Post Test it is recommended that you know the definitions for
each of your vocabulary words and study your notes.
Attendance
Each session you will receive 10 points for attendance. If you are tardy you will
lose 5 points.
Participation
You will receive a total of 10 points per session for participation if you complete
your module activity sheet correctly, follow lab procedures, are on task, and take
proper care of the equipment.
Note: For each date or score not recorded on your module activity sheet you will
lose 1 point of participation.
Important: You must use the log out button for each session to record your
Participation Points.
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Message Board
Messages for the day will be displayed for you on the message board (message
display light) and promethean board. You should read them when entering the
lab each day.
PINs
PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) are unique to each student. The PIN will
be necessary for you to log in to module activities.
Note: PINs should be kept confidential and not shared with other students.
Teamwork
Students will usually be working with a module partner. Get to know your partner,
work together, and become a productive team.
All activities except the Module Guide and Post Test can be done as a team.
Some teamwork strategies;
get to know your partner
work together without conflict
share the computer and equipment time
discuss ideas to come up with a solution
“When you get a job, you won’t be able to pick your co-workers. Cooperation
and collaboration are lifelong skills.”
Module Activity Sheet
The Module Activity Sheet is a record and assessment tool. If you complete it
correctly you will receive a higher grade and have an accurate record of what you
did and how well you performed.
You use the first page to write your name, initial the activities that you have
completed, and record you RCA and Post Test Scores.
The middle pages are where you write the answers to your Assessment
Questions and complete Session Worksheets.
Enrichment Activities
Enrichment Activities are normally done after finishing a session to develop a
greater understanding of the topic. The Enrichments menu is accessible via
direct navigation or from the home menu.
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Here are some guidelines for the Technical Writing Enrichments.
Always start your activity with a heading to introduce the subject.
Begin your writing with a topic sentence describing what you will tell about.
Support your topic sentence with other related information.
Use vocabulary associated with your module topic in your writing.
Write about something that you learned, not just a diary of activities.
Your writing should be in paragraph and complete-sentence form, should
include correct spelling, and should be written neatly.
Module Workstation Procedures
You should check carefully to see if all the equipment is in place and not
broken.
If anything is wrong, you are to turn on the call light immediately. Waiting until
after class has started may shift responsibility for any damaged or
misplaced items to you.
Ask, if you are unsure about how to operate any of the equipment in the lab.
Do not attempt to operate equipment until you have received instructions by
video or a demonstration from the instructor.
“Do your part to keep the workstations in good condition. If the equipment is
damaged, you will miss out on those activities.”
Safety
Some of the modules require safety equipment, such as safety glasses, leather
gloves, or plastic gloves to be worn. You must use the safety equipment how
and when instructed.
Call Lights
Call lights are used to get the teachers attention.
Before turning on the call light, you should:
 Try to solve the problem yourself.
 Ask your module partner the question.
 Reread the instructions or read the instructions aloud.
 Watch that part of the video again.
If you still have a question or problem, you should turn on the call light to seek
help. While waiting for assistance from the teacher you should continue working
on the problem. If you solve the problem turn your call light off.
Keep busy while your call light is on.
 Research answers for your assessment questions.
 Play Bloop to prepare for your RCA’s and Post Test.
 Complete enrichment and vocabulary activities.
 Read from your module library.
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Permission to leave your workstation
Students should stay at their workstation at all times, unless they have
permission to leave.
Solving Research Challenge and Application Questions
It is important to know how and where to find answers. Following are good
research skills and methods that can be applied when completing Research
Challenge and Application Questions.
Use the module library to find the answers to the Research Questions that
are presented to you.
Good research skills include:
Carefully reading the instructions and the question.
If you think you know the answer and it is one of the choices listed, look it up to
make sure you are correct.
Look up all the answers to determine which one is correct.
Sometimes there is a key word or phrase in the question that will lead you to
the right answer.
Look in the Index, Table of Contents, and Glossary in your resource books.
Interpret graphs, tables, charts, and spreadsheets carefully.
Skim reading material to find information that could help.
Pay particular attention to bold text.
Work as a team and ask each other questions to prove answers.
Challenge Questions
The Challenge question requires you to analyze and interpret a graphical
image in order to answer the question.
Line graphs are typically used for showing change over time or how one
object changes.
Bar graphs use a solid bar to represent numbers and to compare data.
Pictographs use pictures or symbols to compare data.
Circle graphs are used to show how a whole is broken into parts.
For application problems.
Write the problem as a math equation in your notes.
Calculate the answer and then see if it is one of the choices.
You may have to do research before solving a problem. An example would be
to look up a formula or word that you don’t understand.
Absences
If you are absent from class you will have to organize your schedule to complete
catch-up work during your resource block. See your teacher for a pass.
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Personal Property
Show honesty and respect other people’s property. If you find things that belong
to others turn your call light on and notify the teacher.
Daily Routine
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Read the message boards (light and Whiteboards) when entering the lab.
Do your bell ringer activity
Listen to the teachers specific instructions
Go to the workstation.
Check module workstation carefully for cleanliness and damage to
equipment.
Complete the day’s activities in order.
Complete Enrichment Activities or Technical Writing.
Clean module area. (Double check to see that all conditions are perfect).
Remain seated until dismissed.
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