Lab+Notebook+Set-up


 * Lab Notebooks**

You will need a **composition lab notebook with GRAPH PAPER** (or something comparable, if you’ve already purchased it). All lab work will be completed in your lab notebooks.

Most labs will consist of making observations and collecting data. Once a lab is completed, each of you is required to write a lab report in your lab notebook. The first lab write up can be completed with your partner, but all lab reports thereafter will be completed individually. Be sure to collect data and make observations in detail in your notebook. If one partner is writing while the other is dictating, be sure to communicate well and check each other’s work. The excuse of – I thought my partner wrote it down – will not be heard. Formal lab reports require attention to detail and __quality is stressed over quantity__. Notebooks are to be set-up as follows. Print and paste this in the front cover of you lab notebook for reference. (you may want to copy it into a Word doc first so you can make it fit well)


 * __Title__**
 * centered and underlined
 * __Introduction/Background Information__**
 * usually this will be given to you or developed together in class
 * This section should also include:
 * connections to prior knowledge (what might you already know about this)
 * the purpose of the experiment or investigation
 * the question you are examining
 * __Hypothesis__**
 * what is your predicted outcome
 * what do you think the answer to the question in the introduction will be
 * __WHY__ – rationale for prediction
 * __Materials__**
 * simple list of what you will use for the experiment or investigation
 * __Methods/Procedure__**
 * detailed list of the steps involved in the experiment or investigation
 * be sure to include enough detail so that the experiment can be repeated by someone else
 * __Data Collection__**
 * raw data collected while carrying out experiment or investigation
 * usually in the form of tables, drawings, or observations
 * remember to LABEL and TITLE __ALL__ tables and drawings
 * if outside, first include weather conditions, (temp, % could cover, precipitation, wind speed and direction)
 * __Analysis__**
 * graphs and calculations made using raw data
 * answers to any analysis questions that accompany lab (usually given by teacher)
 * __Discussion/Conclusion__**
 * make statements about the data
 * identify any data that doesn’t make sense
 * what is the answer to the original question __with rationale/justification__ (what evidence are you using to support what you’re saying)
 * refer to your prediction __with rationale/justification__
 * pose new questions
 * anything additional that you learned
 * general statement about the lab
 * discuss experimental difficulties and possible explanations
 * any recommendation for improvement or possible extension/further investigation

In addition to the above outline for lab reports, general guidelines must be followed in using your lab notebooks in accordance with proper lab work. There are some variations, but this is how we're going to do it.
 * 1) **NUMBER the RIGHT PAGES ONLY**: start with the first page and number consecutively in the lower right corner of each page. Circle each page number. The left side pages will not be numbered since they will act as scrap paper for you and will not be looked at by me.
 * 2) **ONLY use the RIGHT PAGES of your notebook**: the right pages will be used for your lab reports. The left sides will be reserved for your calculations, notes, etc.
 * 3) **SKIP the FIRST THREE PAGES of your notebook**: the first three pages will be left for your “Table of Contents”. Label the first page as such and underline. You will record the date (or date range), the title of the lab and the range of pages in the “Table of Contents”.
 * 4) **NEVER ERASE ANYTHING**: cross out any mistake or anything you changed your mind about with a SINGLE HORIZONTAL LINE. This applies to both left and right side pages. You can't even erase your scrap paper.
 * 5) **ALWAYS use a RULER**: whether you are underlining a title, a heading, making a table, or drawing a graph, A RULER MUST BE USED FOR EVERY LINE YOU DRAW, REGARDLESS.
 * 6) **NEVER use “I,” “WE,” “US,” “YOU,” or any other pronouns/possessive pronouns**: you may refer to “my predictions …” in the discussion section but that’s about it. Scientific writing is not English writing. You are NOT TELLING A STORY. You are conveying facts only, do not dramatize them.