1. Honors Physics I and AP Physics
Laboratory Reports
Honors Physics I and AP Physics

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

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

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

11. 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

12. 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Do not cite “human errors” – these are mistakes
Do not cite “defective equipment” unless you know of a specific problem, which you discuss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

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

14. 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)

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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!

18. 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

19. 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