Laboratory Experiment/Assignment Instructions
Mr. Harwood
Your physics class will have a double lab period once every six-day cycle. We
will conduct lab experiments almost every cycle. As a result, you will be required to
report on your findings. I will require you to follow the guidelines for a formal lab
report, which follows a specific set of stepwise requirements (see below), or an informal
lab report, which is designed to be more concise. The specific requirements for informal
lab reports will be given at the time of the lab.
You will complete your labs in the groups that I assign. Adjustments in group
members will be made on an as needed basis. You are expected to cooperate with all
other group members and carry your share of the work. If there are any problems, you
should report them to me immediately. If you are not participating, I will require you to
complete the lab experiment on your own. The classroom rules also apply in labs.
Below you will see the sections that you must include in your formal lab report as
well a detailed rubric of the point assessment for each section. I will announce when a
formal lab report is required for your labs. Your labs are due one full cycle from when
they were carried out. In other words, they will be collected on the next lab day. This
condition holds for all regular single-day labs. Lab point values usually range from 10
points for informal lab to 30 points for formal labs.
Scoring Rubric for formal labs:
Heading:
Purpose:
Method:
Data:
Calculations and Graphs
Conclusion:
Answers to Questions:
Total
1
1
3
6
6
7
6
___________
30
Late lab reports
For each day that your lab report is late, I will deduct 10% of the grade for up to 3 days.
Missed Labs
You may miss one informal lab per quarter, but after that, you will be required to make
them up on your own time. If you miss a formal lab, you will be required to write a
three page research paper on a related topic to the missed lab. The research paper will
carry the same point value as the missed formal lab.
A Few Pointers
 Make sure all members pay attention and are participating during labs.
 Label all diagrams, tables, and graphs.
 Follow the layout provided and rubric for your formal reports.
 Be neat and well organized in all aspects of your lab report.
 Grammar and spelling do affect your grade.
 Clipart and/or other designs add a nice touch to the title page of a formal report.
 Do not wait until the last minute to write your report.
 If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me for some help. I want
your best.