For Regents level coursework, students must complete a laboratory requirement.

The following may be useful in addressing concerns regarding the laboratory requirement:

•           All students in a Regents science course must complete the laboratory requirement of

1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory experiences, with satisfactory laboratory reports

prior to entry into a Regents examination in science. (Teachers may wish to publicize a

date when all labs must be completed.)

•            The minimum laboratory requirement for each Regents science course is 1200 minutes.

This may be found in statement form in each New York State Regents Syllabus in science,

as well as the Commissioner’s Regulations. Districts may set a higher time

requirement, but it should be stated in school policy; students and parents should be

informed of the school’s requirements.

•           The requirement is often stated as “thirty 40 minute sessions.” This represents a time

requirement, not a quantity requirement of thirty labs with thirty laboratory reports.

•           All laboratories completed by students should be hands-on. Students should be actively

engaged in laboratory work. While computers, library research papers, and worksheets

may be a part of the laboratory experience, they should not comprise the sole experience.

Teacher demonstrations, followed by student reports are also not considered to be

a hands-on experience.

•           Satisfactory laboratory reports must be completed by all students. The laboratory report

format is set at the local level.

•            By Commissioner’s Regulation, laboratory reports must be kept on file for a minimum

of six months. For students who transfer into a district, copies of labs completed by the

student or a letter from the student’s teacher or principal stating completion of labs to

the date of transfer are acceptable and should also be kept on file for six months.

Teachers of science may wish to keep a log of labs with the date completed,

minutes to complete, etc. Logs can be used to easily ascertain the time

requirement for all students, including those who may transfer to other schools.

Some students, including those with disabilities, may require modifications, comparative

laboratories, or replacement laboratories. For further information consult with your

local special educators, the Special Education Training and Resource Center,

or the New York State Education

Department at (518) 473-9471.