Laboratory
write-ups should be TYPED or NEATLY WRITTEN on lined, not spiral
bound paper. Each bolded section
of the lab should be clearly labeled, as shown in this format guideline, and
all portions of the lab should be written in complete sentences.
·
The
title is the name of the lab and should relate to the basic concept involved in
the lab activity. You are encouraged to
be original.
·
Clearly
state, in your own words, the problem/research question. Describe/define the problem and/or any items
included in the problem statement.
·
Identify
the independent and dependant variables [planning (a)].
·
The
hypothesis is your prediction regarding the outcome of the lab. It must be
directly related to the research question and explained, quantitatively where
appropriate.
·
It
must include a proposed relationship between two or more variables, or at least
a rational explanation for an expected observation (ie. “If ‘y’ is done, the ‘z’ will occur”).
·
A
hypothesis is appropriate to include when an experiment is preformed to look
for an answer to a specific question.
Your hypothesis should clearly state and explain what your
expected data might be and why you expect this.
·
The
hypothesis should be written before the lab is conducted, but you should not
attempt to formulate a hypothesis until you have read and understood the entire
lab
[ Planning (a)].
·
List,
in columns, all appropriate apparatus/materials that are selected to conduct
the lab.
·
In
addition to the list, diagrams may be appropriate and are acceptable. [Planning
(b)].
·
The
procedure frequently will be completed as a pre-lab activity to be turned in
prior to performing the lab. Interpret
the lab procedures provided by the lab directions and in-class discussion.
·
In
your own words, state specifically the designed methods/procedures and
realistic methods for the control of variables. It should be written in clear,
easy-to-follow, numbered steps [Planning (b)].
VI. Data
Collection
·
Data
is the observed and recorded qualitative and quantitative raw results collected
with precision during the lab.
·
Data
must be recorded appropriately, including accurate units and identifying
uncertainties where necessary.
·
Raw
data must be presented clearly, allowing for easy interpretation. It is usually
appropriate to record and present data in a neat, well labeled , well organized
chart or table.
VII. Data
Analysis
· The analysis is your interpretation of the data. It should be transformed, manipulated and processed correctly to produce results that help with the clear interpretation of the data. Where appropriate, error analysis should be included.
·
Data/results
should be presented appropriately and effectively, and where relevant, errors
and uncertainties should be taken into account. When you collect quantitative data, calculations and graphs
should be a part of the analysis. Make
sure to accurately label the axes for any graph constructed, both with titles
and units!
·
Specific
lab questions should be answered in this section. They should help you think about what you
observed and what your data might mean.
VIII. Evaluation
·
This
is the MOST IMPORTANT section of the lab. Your evaluation should be at least one to two pages or more
in length, and should be broken down into paragraphs, beginning with topic
sentences. The evaluation should be
insightful and original.
·
Formulate
a valid conclusion (based on the correct interpretation of the data and
results), give an explanation, and compare your actual results to your original
hypothesis. Where appropriate, results
should be compared with literature values.
·
Evaluate
the procedure followed (apparatus, materials, and methods utilized) including
limitations, weaknesses or errors in manipulation. A discussion of the limitations of data analysis may be included,
along with identification of possible sources of error that may have affected
the accuracy of your collected data.
·
Following
the identification of weaknesses, state suggestions to improve the
investigation. Describe the other
experiments or extensions of this lab that you think would be useful to explore
this concept further.
·
State
any further inferences you can draw, and relate these to your own life and
concepts from the class.