Checklist for Lab Write Up Before turning in any lab report check the ...

Checklist for Lab Write Up
Before turning in any lab report check the following items
NOTEBOOK
Notebook has sewn in pages. No pages removed!
All entries in blue or black ink
Corrections made with a single line and note
Table of contents current
All pages numbered
No first person
Each page includes
Title of lab /experiment; Includes independent and dependent variables
Name of partner
Date
Signature to confirm that this is my work
Each experiment contains the following unless I am specifically directed otherwise;
DESIGN
( In notebook and in final typed report)
1. Problem
Problem statement with manipulated and responding variables identified. One sentence!
2. Hypothesis
Hypothesis which predicts the outcome of experiment
Prediction includes the manipulated and responding variables and is
Prediction is backed up by supporting background research (paragraph)
When requested, reports must have references in MLA format. Plagarism will result in a zero.
Hypothesis is clearly related to problem
3. Variables
Lists all variables that might affect the background.
Explicitly identifies which variable(s) manipulated, responding, or controls
Explains why controls must be controlled
Explains how you will control controlled variables
Explains how manipulated and responding variables will be measured
Explains how you will minimize error in the measurement of manipulated and controlled
variables
DATA COLLECTION / PROCEDURE
(In notebook and in final typed report)
4. Materials
List is as specific as possible (includes quantity and sizes of materials)
Includes precision of any measuring instruments
Includes diagrams or photograph of equipment set up, if needed
Diagram, or photo, has labels, caption, and title (Figure 1. ___________ )

5. Procedure
An easy to follow series of steps
Steps are detailed enough that someone could repeat the experiment and get very similar
results
Includes which quantitative and qualitative data must be recorded.
Describes how data is to be measured;
Includes at least 5 repetitions of 5 trials [for formal planning lab]
Does not include “Gather materials” or “ Clean up”
Includes important disposal instructions for any hazardous chemicals used
6. Safety*
List any safety precautions that might be needed
7. Environmental*
Explain the steps you will take to minimize negative effects on the environment.
*If no precautions are needed say so and tell why
DATA COLLECTION
(In notebook and final typed report)
8. Data presentation – If you make a graph or table you must discuss it in your report!
Data is legible and organized
Tables
Data should be presented in tables whenever possible
Table has a “stand alone” descriptive title
Tables are numbered sequentially (Table 1. ______; Table 2. _____)
Tables use standard format
column 1 – manipulated variable
column 2 or more – repetitions of responding variable
column headings include units and precision
accuracy of a measuring device is 1/2 of the smallest measurement possible
Tables of processed data (data that has been mathematically manipulated in some way) are
separate from tables of raw data and summarize raw data
Calculations
One sample calculation shown for each type of calculation
Sample calculation includes any necessary formula, units, appropriate sig. figs.
Sample calculation labeled
Results only for the remainder of similar calculations
Graphs (Mostly for Physics this year)
Graph has a statement title
Graphs are numbered sequentially ( Graph 1. ________; Graph 2_________)
Manipulated variable on the X- axis; Responding variable on the Y axis
Axes have labels, units, and precision

Best fit curve with error bars NO dot-to-dot lines!
(See links to instructions for Excel or Graphing Calculators on Resource Page)
Equation for best fit line whenever possible
r 2 value (show fit of line)
CONCLUSIONS
May be in bulleted list and T- chart’s in Notebook
Must be in paragraph form in final typed report
9. Conclusions
One or more paragraphs stating your conclusion
Explain whether the hypothesis is supported or not. You cannot prove that your
hypothesis is correct.
Explanation is supported by experimental data
If a standard value is available, percent error must be calculated and discussed.
Do not attempt to talk about data that isn’t recorded in the previous section
10. Limitations
Explain level of uncertainty – How large is your error
Table listing sources of error due to procedure or materials, their effect on the variables and
conclusions, and realistic fixes for these sources of error
Human error just means that you didn’t plan appropriately or that you have poor technique.
Every weakness must have a realistic suggested fix!
11. Extensions
Offer suggestions for further research on this or a related topic. This does not mean
more trials, it means what questions has this experiment made you ask.
Were you able to check all of the assigned boxes
Turn it in. You are probably in good shape.
Do you have questions Ask them up through the day before the lab report is due and I will
do my best to point you toward a solution.
On the day it is due – too late. Turn it anyway to avoid any further reduction in points.