Lab Format Checklist (V2.20bg)
A. General
1.
Your own work
2.
Complete
3.
Clear and appropriate “Purpose”
4.
Flows
5.
Did not require help on or after due date
6.
Good grammar
7.
Correct spelling
8.
Complete sentences where required
9.
Legible
10.
Professionally presented
11.
Properly identified (eg. name, partner)
12.
On time
13.
Checklist included
14.
Template included
B. Data (For data not in Tables)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Your own data
Values recorded with uncertainties
Sufficient data
Reasonable values
Reasonable uncertainties
Correct number of significant figures
Units recorded
C. Data in Tables
1.
Neat
2.
Column headings informative
3.
Units given
4.
Uncertainties given
5.
Label
6.
Number given (eg. “Table #2”)
1
D. Least Squares Fits
1.
2.
3.
4.
Points used for fit clearly identified
Results given meaningful names
Correct units for slope and intercept
Correct indication of “large” or “small”
scatter
E. Graphs
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Title meaningful
Correct graph type and orientation
Plotting data in table
Axis labels meaningful
Correct axis units
Points not connected
Error bars in both dimensions or note if
too small
Error bars correct size
Line of best fit shown without markers
Number given (eg. ”Graph #3)
F. Calculations and Results
1.
Any required derivations done correctly
2.
Analysis explained where needed
3.
Correct formulas used
4.
Sample calculations shown where needed
5.
All required values calculated
6.
Uncertainties included
7.
Units included
8.
Correct number of significant figures
9.
Appropriate use of standard form
10.
Theoretical or reasonable value
11.
Agreement of experiment with theory
12.
Questions reasonably answered
2
G. Error Discussion
1.
Sources listed are significant
2.
Sources are prioritized
3.
Correct explanations of consequences of
systematic errors
4.
Evidence: ie test where possible or bound
where can’t test
5.
Reasonable suggestions for improvement
H. Conclusions
1.
Relate to purpose
2.
Major results stated
3.
Comparisons made where appropriate
4.
Agreement noted when found
5.
Percent difference calculated only when
quantities don’t agree
I. References
1.
Source(s) of constants listed
J. Methods
1.
All steps clearly described
2.
Paragraph format
3.
Past tense
K. Introduction
1.
Rationale for research given
2.
Historical/experimental context given
3.
Good references
3