Pre-lab:
1) Title/Date: The title should be descriptive. The date is the day you begin the experiment.
2) Purpose: A brief statement of what you are attempting to do.
3) Procedure: A one or two paragraph summary of the method you are using. You must read the entire procedure first and then summarize it in your own words. Do not copy the procedure word-for-word or be so vague as to make it unclear to the reader. A person who understands chemistry should be able to read this section and know what you are doing.
4) Hypothesis: A thoughtful prediction of what results you expect from the experiment. A useful format to use is the
IF…THEN…BECAUSE structure. However you word it, your hypothesis should reflect careful thought and include a reason for your expectations.
5) Data: Set up all data tables in your lab book. Be neat and use a straightedge.
During the Lab:
5) Data: Record all your data directly in your lab. Organize entries in a neat format and. label all data. Use correct significant digits and units (g, mL, etc). Space out information.
Post-lab:
6) Calculations and Graphs : In this section show how calculations are carried out. Each calculation should be (1) titled as to what is being calculated and (2) show all unit labels. First, write out any equation being used and then substitute in your experimental values.
If graphs are included, make the graphs an appropriate size and include a descriptive title and label all axes. (Remember
TAILS)
7) Conclusion (Claims and Evidence): Make a clear statement about what you have concluded from the experiment. In other words, what did you learn? Declare whether or not your hypothesis was supported and cite specific evidence from your lab data.
8) Discussion of Theory: In this section relate your learning from the classroom to the experiment in the laboratory. In what way did the experiment illustrate or clarify ideas and concepts that we have discussed in class? What theories or concepts were important in the lab? You need to describe both the concepts and the specific manners in which the lab reinforced those ideas . Time and care needs to be taken in this section.
9) Experimental Sources of Error: What are some specific sources of error (real or potential) from your lab, and how do they influence the data ? Would the error make the data values larger or smaller than they should be? Include at least two real or potential errors in your write-up.
Vague statements about possible errors are not acceptable. Be very specific. Mistakes in math calculations are not valid sources of error (known mistakes should be fixed before turning in the lab). In identifying sources of error, it is helpful to ask yourself what you would do differently if you repeated the experiment and wanted to obtain better results
10) Questions: Answer any questions included in the lab handout. Use complete sentences and thoughts.
AWK: Awkward phrasing OK:
BSP: Be specific- refer to your data and/or results PV:
CS: Use complete thoughts and sentences SLX:
DA?:
INC:
How, specifically, was data affected?
This section is incomplete
INC 5,6: Sections 5&6 incomplete
Late: 10 to 40% reduction in score
Adequate, but could be improved
Use passive, not active voice
SM:
SP:
Use single line cross outs, don’t scribble
Summarize the procedure, don’t list all steps
Spelling error
UNC: The underlined area is unclear
UR: Use a ruler on all graphs and tables
LBL: Labels omitted- Include them!
ME: Math error in calculations
WW:
+ :
Wrong word used
This portion is well done.
~~~~ : Clarify this section NNT: Needs to be neater
NT: Needs more thought – minimum effort