1. Lecture 7 Loose Ends

2. Quality Both the experimental plan and final report must be professional quality! Nothing should be hand written! Correct grammar and spelling! Consistent font! Suggestions: 11pt font, 1.5 line spacing.

3. Equation editor

4. First page Title Authors Date Abstract Nothing else on first page!

5. Other details Fully justify? Probably. Watch significant figures! Do not overstate your conclusions – make sure the data supports all conclusions/statements. Think/talk about what your results mean in the report. This isn’t freshman lab. Proofread multiple times. Ask others. TELL A STORY!

6. First Report! Before turning in the first report, you need to have the report read by another group. The names of the members of the “review group” should be listed after the conclusion. The groups are all numbered and the review group should be the next numbered group. The review group should provide feedback on what is and is not clear and understandable.

7. Group Writing Strategies Different group members write different sections. 1.Objective/background 2.Theory 3.Methods Be sure that ONE or TWO people rewrite the full document to help with the flow. Take turns here!

8. Anticipated Results The experimental plan (Intro + Theory + Methods) should also include a brief section on anticipated results. Primarily this means creating fake data that is similar to what you expect to obtain in the lab, and then performing the planned data analysis method. This section should not be in the final report.

9. Other options Have one or two individuals be in charge of creating figures (graphs, tables, equipment diagrams) Then have one or two people write the text. Figure are very important!

10. Avoid! One person write the experiment plan for the first experiment. One person write the final report for the first experiment….repeat for second. Why?

11. Avoid! One person write the experiment plan for the first experiment. One person write the final report for the first experiment….repeat for second. Why? Too much work for one person! Variable quality. Take responsibility for anything with your name.

12. Lab Notebooks You are not required to have a bound “Lab Notebook” I suggest a clipboard with the following: 1.A printout of your methods section from the experimental plan. 2.Some blank sheets with the experiment name and date at the top – used to record everything you do in the lab. 3.Data sheet to record measurements

13. Lab notebooks Write in ink! Write the time down frequently – maybe at the start of each entry. In addition to recording data, record observation during the lab --- including any possible sources of error. Make sure you have a calculator handy!

14. What to wear Closed toed (closed-toed?) shoes Pants (no shorts) Eye protection This includes next Tuesday at 9am. Find the eye wash and shower before starting. Fire extinguisher?

15. Homework #4 Evaluate a previous lab report. Three parts: – Identify any violations of formatting rules covered in class and any grammatical mistakes. – Identify any technical mistakes or inconsistencies. – Short answer: a few questions.