Ready, Set, Go? Impact of the Pandemic on Student Readiness: Laboratories, Preparedness, and Support

There is little doubt that the pandemic has had a significantimpacton students' academic achievement and mental health acrossthe K-16 spectrum. For undergraduate chemistry instructors,data on the number of laboratories students completed in high schooland in what mode would be important information in considering whatmodifications could be implemented in the laboratory curriculum andin messaging about the laboratory activities. Additionally, sheddinglight on how prepared students feel to succeed at college work, howthe pandemic has impacted their preparedness for learning, and whatthe chemistry community can do to support student learning can shapemessaging on the first day and for subsequent activities in the course.An initial and final course survey that sought to shed light on thesestudent experiences and perspectives will be discussed along withthe impact on course messaging and structure.