Lab Reports

1.         Form:

            a.         All lab reports are to be submitted in typed form.

                        i.         Data tables, sample equation, and graphs may be hand written.

                        ii.        Use a 12 pt Times New Roman or Courier font.

            b.         Include your name, your campus mailbox, date of submission and instructor’s name on the report.

            c.         Use only the front side of the page.

            d.         Do not include your instruction sheets. Do not present your data as a copy of the lab data but  rewrite using a clear format.

            e.         Lab reports of less than one page in length will be considered deficient. Most lab reports will be two or three pages in length.

2.          Contents of report:

            a.         Title, this is your own original title. Interesting and catchy ones are appreciated.

            b.         Purpose/objective, this is given in the investigation guide. Quote this exactly.

            c.         Procedure, report what you and your partner did during the investigation. You are not to repeat the instructions but to give a descriptive narrative. This may be several paragraphs.

            d.         Data / observation, report data using a table when there are three or more repetitions of a process. Use a narrative format for other investigative observations. Make sure to include appropriate units with all observations. Measure and record all data to the maximum level of accuracy for the apparatus used. Remember to turn in a copy of all observations before leaving the lab.

            e.         Analysis, this will follow the guidelines suggested in the investigation guide. In your analysis, you are to show samples of all calculations. Some students submit all calculations. At least one example of every type of calculation is required. Identify the trial being used for the sample calculation. Include units in your calculations. This portion of the report is extensive. When a sample of repeated calculations are given, a table giving the major intermediate values used in the calculation process should be included.

            f.         Error, certainly can include known mistakes during the investigative process. Analysis errors should be corrected and thus should not be cited in most situations. However, the significant contribution of the error section is to critique the experimental process. The study of the data gives indications of the magnitude and nature of the errors of the investigation. Errors can be divided into two general categories: internal and external. Internal errors are generated by inconsistences in your investigative procedure. It is assumed a trial which is repeated carefully should yield the same result each time. Internal error is the measure of this capability. External error is a comparison with established values or theories. The external error allows the investigator to compare their results with the results of others. Carefully consider how each both of these types of errors might be measured for your experiments. The evaluation of the errors may be presented as absolute (such as 5.4 cm), relative (such as 13%), or using both. Thus, your report will present a stronger conclusion as you provide an error analysis by which the reader can critically observe the reliability and validity of your experimental data.

            g.         Conclusion should be given at the end of the text. The conclusion should directly answer the original purpose and/or objective. It a succinct statement.

            h.         The appendix may contain any additional tables.

3.         Deadline for submission: For full credit, reports must be submitted by 5 PM six days following the investigation. You must also be in lecture that day or have a medical excuse attached to your report. For ½ credit, reports must be submitted by 5 PM on the seventh day.