Unit 1 Lecture 3: Technical Writing and the Art of the Abstract The student is able to summarize and report laboratory findings.

Abstract Helps readers decide whether they want to read your whole report.  Answers main idea questions What’s the problem? What was the purpose of the research? How was the research completed? What were the findings? 150-200 words MAX Written for a general audience. http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/abstracts/

Parts of an Abstract Introduction Background Reason Methodology Set the stage for why your work is important Background Hook the reader in Reason What gaps in understanding are you filling? Methodology How were your data collected, compiled, generated, analyzed? Findings What did you learn (or invent or create)? Implications Can the results lead to a generalization? http://undergraduateresearch.osu.edu/suri/materials/abstract_URO_2012.pdf

Be specific and as succinct as possible. Incorrect: The tube was filled with gas. Correct: A gas collection tube was used to collect 25.23 mL of butane gas over water.

Do not use personal pronouns or refer to people doing things. Incorrect: We took the reading outside of the water, so that could have made the measurement wrong. Correct: The water bath used in the experiment was not deep enough, so the amount of gas collected in the gas collection tube was estimated.

Do not use contractions. Incorrect: We didn’t write down the starting reading, so the temperature is off. Correct: The initial temperature of the water in the calorimeter was not recorded. Change in temperature was therefore estimated.

Express your precise meaning. Incorrect: The calorimeter is made out of Styrofoam to keep things warm. Correct: The styrofoam in the calorimeter prevents heat loss to the surroundings.

Avoid use of “this,” “that,” and “it Avoid use of “this,” “that,” and “it.” Use a specific word instead or rewrite the sentence. Incorrect: It was dirty and had to be cleaned out first. Correct: The test tubes used in the experiment were cleaned before use.

Avoid Starting Sentences with “There is,” “There are,” “There was,” or “There were” Incorrect: There are a few reasons the percent error was bad. Correct: Several things many have contributed to the high degree of experimental percent error, such as…

Use what you have learned about technical writing to summarize the demonstration.

A pea-sized sample of sodium was cut and placed into water in a 4000-mL beaker. The sample floated on the surface of the water and initially just fizzed. The sample then caught fire and spurted orange-yellow flames as it skated around the surface of the water. After about 10 seconds, the reaction completed.

For Today: Write an abstract for yesterday’s lab in Microsoft Word. Complete a summary table in Microsoft Excel for the lab stations that you completed, making sure to include: Table number and title Station Number Initial Color(s) Colors of End Product(s) Initial Temp (°C) Final Temp (°C) Observations Type of Change (Phys/Chem) Explanation