Honors Physics I and AP Physics Laboratory Reports Honors Physics I and AP Physics

General Information Every other week Group lab work, individual reports Some formal, some informal (at my discretion) All informal after first two marking periods, if “A” lab report average maintained

Formal Reports Formal reports must be typed. Data and sample calculations may be hand-written No credit for work which is not typed Sections should be labeled Sections should be in the order given Sections do not need to begin on a new sheet of paper

Title Page Separate sheet of paper Title of experiment Your name Your partner(s) name(s) Period of class Date experiment performed Centered on page

Objective Purpose of the experiment May be taken directly from lab handout

Data Construct your own tables May model tables after those in lab handouts Use a straight-edge to draw lines to separate rows and columns, if doing by hand Each column should have an appropriate heading, including units Include all measured decimal places (see handout on significant figures) Show all recorded trials, not just averages.

Sample Table Time (s) Distance (m) 1.0 1.25 2.0 2.68 3.0 3.49 4.0 4.86 5.0 5.72 6.0 6.51 Label Units

Data Treatment Show one example of each type of calculation Show the original equation used along with the sample calculation Include units Express answer to the correct number of significant figures

Sample Calculation Starting Equation Sample Calculation, with units Answer, with units and to correct # sig. figs. Starting Equation

Data Treatment, Cont’d. Include graphs or diagrams in this section, too Take note of % discrepancy and % difference equations

Discussion Longest and most important section of lab report Your chance to “show off” what you’ve learned Number each of “Interpretation Questions” as in lab handout Write out the question first, before answering Answer questions using complete sentences Need to discuss each topic

Analysis of Errors Answer questions, as done in discussion section Give the % discrepancy (or difference), if applicable Discuss at least two specific sources of experimental error Do not cite “human errors” – these are mistakes Do not cite “defective equipment” unless you know of a specific problem, which you discuss Discuss unavoidable problems Discuss how errors numerically affected results

Conclusion What did you learn from the experiment? What did the experiment show or prove? Were the objectives met? Suggestions for improving

Informal Reports Need not be typed Include the lab handout, with data tables filled in On separate paper, show data treatment, as for formal reports On separate paper, answer all “Interpretation” and “Analysis of Errors” questions (need not write out questions)

Grading Lab reports will range from 15-30 points each Discussion and Analysis of Errors weighted most heavily Neatness is important Adherence to the given format is important Be sure to show all data and calculations to the correct number of significant figures Be sure to show units throughout the report

Accuracy Should have less than 10% discrepancy Will be exceptions, which I’ll tell you about If error > 10%, you’re welcome to repeat the experiment to achieve better results If your % discrepancy is very large, see me! Most likely a calculation mistake Possibly a procedural mistake Try to determine your % discrepancy as soon as possible so that mistakes can be corrected

Academic Integrity Do not copy your lab partner’s answers to lab questions You are expected to discuss answers with your partners, but prepare your own answers in your own words If I find you engaging in this, you will receive no credit for this part of the lab. Each identical paper receives no credit. Do not give your finished report to another student!

Academic Integrity When absent on a lab day, do not submit someone else’s data as your own! I keep track of lab absences Reports submitted without evidence of data acquisition will receive a score of zero Do not knowingly falsify your data! I’ll probably be able to tell, and make you do the experiment over again It’s not worth it for the small number of points deducted for a high % discrepancy

Procrastination!!! You have five school days to complete each report As each day passes, you will remember less and less about the experiment You will often need my help to answer questions I may not be available the morning the report is due Up to one day late: 50% of earned grade More than one day late: 0