Always write labs following the provided lab format.  The following are hints to help you organize and write a concise and thorough laboratory report.

INTRODUCTION

It is important to begin the lab by establishing the learning context. The learning context provides a way for you to situate the lab report within the overall purpose for doing the lab in the first place: to learn something about the science of the course you are taking.

ALWAYS included the following:

Definitions of the key terms

Formulas needed to perform any required calculations

Equations known for any chemical reaction studied

Information from class notes that is relevant to the lab and will be used to analyze data or explain observations

Any rules for collecting data introduced in the lab

All information required to do the lab!!!!

ANALYSIS

Designing a clearly labeled data table:

In most labs, organizing your data begins with designing a table for recording your observations. Even though most researchers report their data in graphs, they record their data in tables. To design tables that are appropriate and meaningful, you must understand the kinds of data you are recording.

Record your measurements in a clearly labeled data table

As you record your data, be aware of accuracy, precision, and potential sources of error.

Show All Work for Calculations:

Showing work means: write relationship used for the calculationà do algebra if needed with variablesàplug in numbers with unitsà write answer in correct sig figs with units

Title calculations: A title includes what you are calculating and for which trial.

Example of Analysis:

Record all measurements and observations (title data, included all units, record in sig figs)

SHOW ALL CALCULATIONS ALWAYS Title calculations Showing work: write relationship used for the calculation, do algebra if needed with variable, plug in numbers with units, write answer in correct sig figs with unit

Graphs:

Graph: (title graph, title each axis, use whole page, use straight edge, scale must be appropriate and consistent)

To make a graph there are several rules that you need to follow.

A graph should be well organized and easy to read.

Use a descriptive title for every graph.

The most difficult decision in plotting a graph is the selection of the scale. The scale of the graph should be chosen such that the graph itself (data points that you are plotting) will fill most of the page. By increasing the size of the graph it will be much easier to see relationships and trends between the different points.

The scales on the different axis do not need to start at zero and do not need to be the same increments. The scale on an axis must be consistent. (each square represent the same increment)  The key is the data points should fill the graphing space efficiently. Do not have your axis fill the entire page and then have your points grouped together in only a small portion. Be sure your points FILL the page.

Both the horizontal axis and the vertical axis should be clearly labeled to explain what is being plotted and should include the necessary units, NEVER forget the units on either axis!

The data points themselves should be clearly marked, never just a "pin point" on the page. Be sure that each graph point is large enough and dark enough to see easily.

If the data points that have been plotted appear to fall along what seem to be a straight line we say that there is a possible linear relationship between these different data points. You can then use a ruler to draw a single straight line that DOESN'T go from point to point, but is a best AVERAGE fit of all the data points on the graph.

If instead the data points do not represent a linear relationship but seem to follow a curve, then you should try to draw the best smooth curve through the points on your graph. Once again the line that you draw will most likely not go through all the points (in some cases it might not go through any points). The line or the curve is an average value representing the data that has been plotted.

Relationship Between Volume and Temperature of a Gas at Constant Pressure

CONCLUSION

Number the questions and write the answer only

Remember your concluding statements (this does not mean to say I learned….)

The conclusion section of your laboratory report should contain the answers to all questions posed at the end of the directions and concluding statements. The concluding statements must specifically refer to lab results or data and summarize the major findings or discoveries made during the experiment. State the outcome of the experiment in narrative form. Explain your data. Describe what it means and what it shows. Identify and describe any relevant patterns within the data. Identify and critique procedural mistakes that could have affected the data.

PREPARING FOR LAB:

Read lab twice

Read lab before writing Prelab

Underline the parts of procedure that require you to record data and make an organized data table

Have an outline of lab procedure in your mind or ask before lab

Know how to perform any required calculations or ask before lab