Each department which offers laboratory sections will have specific guidelines and safety protocols. Usually, teaching assistants lead laboratory sections where theories and ideas introduced in a lecture are demonstrated by the Teaching Assistant and practiced by the students. Teaching assistants who work in labs must demonstrate safety, scientific methods and help students discover scientific principles. Being a Lab TA can be hard work but rewarding. The University of Washington CIDR has some tips for Lab TAs: "In their feedback to TAs, students indicate that they appreciate lab TAs who: 

* Summarize the theory and procedure briefly before the students begin the lab. 

* Demonstrate new techniques. 

* Relate the lab to the lecture and to real world applications. 

* Are willing to help and answer questions. 

* Walk around and check with students to make sure that they are making progress. 

* Ask questions that make students think more deeply about what they are doing and why.