Lab is not only a fun and
different approach to apply what has been learned in the classroom, it is a
requirement of the AP Chemistry program. Between 5 and 10 % of the score of the
AP Exam is from laboratory knowledge. Further, colleges may request to see your
record of lab work prior to awarding credit for laboratory work.
The number one priority
during labs is safety. Should you ever have a question or concern in lab that
affects your safety or the safety to those around you, please ask me! If the
instructions for the procedure are not clear then ask for clarification. I will
help you.
The point values in
parentheses are general guidelines. Some labs may require a modified write-up and
several labs will include credit for “product points” where your performance in
executing procedure and reporting laboratory results is graded.
Calling your lab notebook a
“notebook” is misleading. This will be a meticulously kept document that is a
record of your laboratory experience. The format of this notebook, as specified
here, must be observed at all times. Do not lose this notebook – EVER! Keep it
in a safe place when it is not in use. When it is used in lab, it is the only “paperwork”
allowed on the bench. Be careful not to spill any chemicals on it. Large stains
or burned pages may bias colleges against your skills in the lab.
For the notebook itself you
will need to buy a black & white marble, composition notebook. These notebooks
are pretty standard and can be bought for fewer than $2. Get one with as many
pages as possible, at least 100. Inspect the quality of the binding of the
notebook before you buy it. Don’t write
anything in it yet. We will go over this together as a class. Never rip pages out of this notebook.
The reason that notebooks like this are used is because the pages are
permanent.
Don’t scribble out mistakes.
Draw a single line through missteaks errors. Never write in 1st
person.
Use only (non-erasable) ink
whenever writing in this notebook. Select a ballpoint pen that does not smear
and won’t go through the page.
Write:
Reserve at least the next 3
pages (front and back) for a Table of Contents, more if you write large. Write Table
of Contents underlined and centered at the top. Use a straightedge (ruler)
when underlining, even during labs. In the Table of Contents list, for every
lab:
Example:
Exp.
#1. Determination of the Formula of a
Copper Compound.
9/15/10. Pages
7-
Only when the write-up is
complete can you enter the ending page. You will number the pages of your
notebook, starting with the title page, in the upper corner.
Some labs will require
modifications to the following format.
1. Heading.
Experiment number, title, date, your name, & lab partner(s).
2. Purpose/Introduction. The purpose will be clearly stated in a complete
sentence. Also in the introduction will be a few sentences about how the
purpose will be achieved.
Draw a straight line down
the page splitting it, but not evenly. More room should be to the left of the
line. The Procedure will go on the left and corresponding Data &
Observations on the right.
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3.
Procedure. The procedure will be written out in numbered
steps in your own words. Sometimes procedures will be provided, some will
need revision, and some you will write yourself. Never use the 1st
person. Write this as instructions for someone else. (Place the sample in a
test tube.) |
4.
Data &
Observations. Next to the
procedural steps write any observations and/or data collected for that step.
If the actual procedure differed from what was written, make notes here.
These items should be written in past tense.
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5. Analysis of the Data/Calculations. This is the area where you can work out
calculations or jot notes in a less formal manner than your final report. Any
calculations you make should be done here rather than on scraps of paper. You’ll
be happy not to lose any of your work when you prepare your final report. Data
collected in the lab using needs “crunching” to make the numbers into something
meaningful (the 3.05 g of product corresponds to 0.0433 mol).
Observations may need to be “translated” (the “pop” indicated the presence of
hydrogen gas). Percent error will be calculated, but do not state why it was
high or low here. The evaluation will be done in the Conclusion.
You will submit a computer generated
lab report for every experiment. Make sure you keep these reports in a safe
place (along with your notebook) when returned. Colleges may ask to review a
portfolio of lab work before they award lab credit.
Although you may collaborate
with your group for the lab and calculations, the abstract and conclusion must be written independently – if
yours is too similar to another person’s, it will be considered copied and both
of you will receive a zero for the lab.
The report due dates are
firm. If your report is late due to printing issues, computer problems, etc., your
grade will be lowered. Do not email the report to me. Print it at home or in
the library and submit a hard copy. Don’t bother with report covers – a staple
is good enough.
The format for the write-up
is below.
Heading. The same information as the
heading for the notebook. Don’t waste paper by using a separate page for
a title page. Continue with the report right after the heading.
Abstract. Scientific papers always begin with an abstract. This
is similar to an introduction but it also mentions the results. The abstract is
a summary of the entire experiment. It should be no longer than 5 or 6 sentences but needs to state the purpose, summarize (but not
discuss in detail) the procedure, and mention the results. Use past tense and
third person.
Procedure. Simply state that the procedure is
detailed in your notebook.
Observations. Include data/observations in a neat and organized
format such as a table. Only include relevant observations.
Analysis. Show relevant
calculations from your notebook. This is the formal reporting of your notes you
made in your notebook. If multiple trials were performed, only show a sample
calculation but include the results of all trials. Also calculate percent
error/percent yield calculations when applicable. You may find it difficult to
type out calculations so if your calculations are written in that’s fine. However,
you may find it useful and neater to learn this if you don’t already know. (If
using Word, go to Insert à
Object à Microsoft Equation. I
usually go to “Style” in the menu bar and change it from “Math” to “Text” in so
that everything isn’t italicized.)
Conclusion. The conclusion should also be written in past tense
and third person. It must include the following items:
·
Evaluation of
results. This is where you will say what the data and/or observations mean. Are
the results good or bad? How could the results have been improved? How were
mistakes made?
·
Closing/summary.
In a few sentences, restate the purpose and whether it was met. Keep away from
opinion statements, and rely on observations to summarize the experiment.
·
Answers to
assigned questions
I will review your notebook
at different times during the marking period during labs. These reviews will be
unannounced so make sure that your notebook is up to date and with for all
labs.
You are permitted to miss
one lab per marking period due to an excused absence. If you are present for
every lab than the lowest grade will be dropped, provided it benefits your
grade. Sometimes you may be able to make-up a missed lab, but I will make the
decision of whether or not it can be made up based on how long it will take.
The number one priority is
safety. Please review the safety contract. Some chemicals that we will use this
year are more hazardous than ones you have encountered before. You will know
what days we will be doing experiments so make sure you have closed-toed shoes
on those days. If you have to sit out a lab because of failure to observe
safety rules, you will receive a zero for the lab in addition to other
disciplinary actions.