R.M. Deeley  

The laboratory exercises constitute a major part of this course.  It is crucial that you understand the purpose of the lab, how a problem can be tested, and how to record and interpret results.

Laboratory exercises are not optional.  If a student misses a lab, he/she will be required to make up the lab at the teacher=s convenience. 

The following format is a typical format used for college labs and the basis for scientific papers.

Title of Lab

Date(s) of the Experiment

Your Name and the Date of Report

Your Lab Partners= Names

Abstract: One/two lines for each part of the experiment (introduction, methods, results, conclusions).  

Purpose/Introduction: Give a succinct background for the experiment (rationale). Succinctly describe/explain what was being attempted.  Give a hypothesis clearly stated in terms of independent and dependent variables and how they are to be measured for each part of the experiment (as applicable).

Methods/Materials: Usually a clear, concise REPEATABLE description of method and materials is given.  For these experiments, you are given a procedure.  Do not copy the procedure.  In two or three sentences, SUMMARIZE the method.

Results: Data and data analysis is placed in results.  Some scientific journals allow discussion to be included with the results section.  For these labs, combine data and discussion.  Data should be presented in chart or graph form.  All charts and graphs must have a title.  Columns and rows of charts should be labeled.  Axes of graphs should be labeled and units given in the label (e.g., Time   minutes).  Any data manipulation, such as equations, should be included and explained briefly.   Discussion of results is a concise interpretation of the results.   If you present a chart, explain the results.  If you include a graph, interpret the findings.

Conclusions: Summarize the main findings of the lab.  Use your introduction and your charts and graphs to help explain your results.  If you did not get anticipated results, identify possible sources of error and/or explain why you think you got those results.  There may be specific questions in the lab handouts.  Answer those questions in this section, if not addressed in the appropriate section of the lab report.  If your results do not support your hypothesis, propose a new hypothesis. 

LAB REPORTS SHOULD BE TYPED.  Graphs may be done by hand.  Labs are PLEDGED.

LAB REPORTS ARE DUE 5 SCHOOL DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE CONCLUSION OF THE LAB.  For example, if a lab is started on a Monday, completed on Tuesday, the lab report is due the following Tuesday.  Exceptions to this policy will be announced at the onset of the lab procedure.  Lab reports may be turned in early.  Late reports will lose a letter grade/day.