Labs and write-ups Mrs. Kay

Scientific Law:  something that has been observed so many times by scientists that they are convinced that it will always happen.  A statement of regularity found in observations made on a system.  Eg. Gravity

Scientific Theory  something that is believed to be true, but not proven beyond a doubt.  An attempt to explain an observed regularity. It is a guess at the underlying principles which can explain a group of related observations.  Eg. Atomic theory

Hypothesis  An idea of what will happen during an experiment  A tentative explanation of the regularities observed in nature.

Your Lab write-ups:  Top right corner: your name, your lab partners, date.  Top middle: name of the lab  Purpose/objective: in a statement write why we are performing the experiment  Materials: list all the materials we used in the experiment. Can refer to lab handout if applicable

 Procedure: write out step by step how to perform the lab. Usually provided, so can state “refer to lab handout”, unless you are writing the procedure.  Variables: state the variables for the lab if necessary.  Observations: Include any tables that state observations (qualitative or quantative)

Observations:  Qualitative Observations: ones where we describe something using words, adjectives.  Quantitative (quantity) observations: ones where we describe something using numbers, measurements.

 Analysis: Answer any questions that have been asked. May include graphs/charts/diagrams.  Conclusion: If the purpose asked a question then you must answer it, otherwise use a concluding statement. If % error can be calculated, place it here. Discuss possible errors that led to a high % error and modifications to improve the lab.

Variables:  Independent: thing (condition) that you change during an experiment. You manipulate this factor.  Dependent: this factor (condition) changes or responds because of your experiment.  Control: a comparison that keeps your experiment fair. Things you keep constant.

Example  How well you do in this course depends on how much you study.  Independent: your studying  Dependent: mark