One of the most important aspects of science is performing experiments. In order to replicate experiments, share information with other scientists, and to prove what you have discovered it is vitally important to keep accurate and detailed records of all experiments. In this class we will call these records Lab Reports. You are expected to write a lab report for every lab that we do in this class. You may collaborate with your lab partners and classmates, but you must write your own lab report.
Elements of a Lab Report
· Purpose: This is a statement about why you are performing this lab and what you hope to learn from it. You should describe/derive any formulas that will be used in the lab at this point. In this section you should list your lab partners. This should be roughly a paragraph.
· Procedures: This is a detailed, bulleted list of all the steps involved in performing the experiment and materials used. Someone should be able to read this procedure and exactly duplicate your experiment.
· Data: You should create data tables to organize the information you will measure during the lab before you begin the lab. During the lab record all measurements being sure to include units.
· Observations: During the lab you should jot down observations about what is happening. Be sure to note anything that might cause a discrepancy in your data.
· Results: Here you present the results of the lab. This is where you perform any calculations using the data you gathered, and state what happened during the lab. This is also where you present any graphs of your data.
· Conclusion: In this section you analyze your results, being sure to discuss any discrepancies or uncertainty in your measurements. You should compare your results to the accepted values/theories by doing a percent error calculation (% error = [accepted value - experimental value]/accepted value) when applicable. Discuss what contributes to the uncertainty of your data. This should be at least 2-3 paragraphs long.