Planning considerations for Socially Distanced Chemistry Laboratories

<p>This article details the questions and considerations we have raised regarding the return to Chemistry teaching laboratories in September/October 2020. At the time of writing, we are still practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. </p><p><br></p><p>While some schools have returned and lockdown restrictions are starting to be relaxed, it is important that plans are made to include social distancing measures in Semester 1 of 2020-21 for those aiming to deliver lab course face to face (which I will refer to as wet labs). The response from the DryLabs community, facilitated by Malcolm Stewart, Craig Campbell and Ben Challen at Oxford University, displays a varied landscape of approaches. Initial reaction was that labs may be closed in Semester 1 and at present, the community is working to create a bank of shared virtual resources and communicating openly about their plans. During the DryLabs meeting in May, I questioned whether anyone would be delivering wet labs. The virtual room fell silent! Malcolm suggested I share my thoughts, which I did, and herein follow up on my presentation by detailing those considerations, which I hope will be helpful in shaping your own approaches.</p><p><br></p><p>Dr Cate Cropper, </p><p>Dr Helen Vaughan, </p><p>Dr Elisabeth Rushworth, </p><p>Dr Kathy Johnson, </p><p>Mr Steve Chappell.</p><p><b>Central Teaching Laboratories, The University of Liverpool</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p> <b>For correspondence please contact: <a href="mailto:CCropper@liverpool.ac.uk">CCropper@liverpool.ac.uk</a></b><br></p><p><br></p>