Biome Report Tips

As the annual biome trip nears, Alsion students prepare for the visit by completing a grand report consisting of research, hard-work and creativity. To accomplish such a task, students are given a week of work-time to finish assignments. Such a week is usually stressful and the workload equally daunting, so I compiled a list of tips from students and teachers alike on how to approach the project as efficiently as possible. 

By: Aashi Mehrotra 

Walking into class on Monday morning, an intimidatingly large packet is placed in front you. The stack of papers entails the work that must be completed as part of your Biome Report. And the week that follows entails work time and careful instructions that leave room for personal touches of creativity. Stress and procrastination run rampant, but only if you let it. Throughout the week, I asked various students and teachers which tips and tricks helped them, or would help knock assignments off as smoothly as possible.

1. First, you should compile your work in a todo list and write down the due dates so you are aware of which assignments take priority. Drawing up a schedule or calendar would be a good idea. It doesn’t have to be very large or aesthetically pleasing; a mere post-it note would suffice.
2. Before you start, scan over each assignment and internalize and plan what needs to be done. This can help you understand exactly how big or small the task is, which will make starting your assignments less daunting, discouraging procrastination. This is a very common mistake people make when approaching their work: they begin a task without knowing how much effort needs to be put in, and use it as an excuse to procrastinate.
3. Be very intentional in which assignments you chose to complete first. Whether you decide to complete them easiest to hardest or vice versa, make sure you understand what you are getting yourself into before throwing yourself into work.
4. Don’t procrastinate. Aim to complete your assignments a day before the due date, not the day of, or at least plan it out in a manageable way. You can use the extra time to check in with your teachers to make sure your work is up to par.
5. After being given much of the week as work time, use it as effectively as possible. Don’t waste time in class, and keep a good work ethic. If there are distractions around you, attempt to remove them or relocate yourself to a space where you can stay in the zone.

At first, the workload and the high expectations may seem daunting, but if planned out properly and done intentionally, it is quite manageable. The most important thing to remember is to have fun with your project and to add personal touches that make it true to yourself. See you next year!