Writing the Physics Group Lab Report
Ideally, all
investigations of physical phenomena should begin in the laboratory. Data and
observations gathered in the laboratory enable the investigator to construct a
model (physical and mathematical) that provides a means of predicting the
characteristic behavior of the system being studied and to report the findings
in a coherent and convincing argument that supports the hypothesized model. The
development of this argument (lab report), based on the lab data and
observations
to support the hypothesized model is a critically important aspect of the
laboratory activity. In view of this, the following suggestions are offered to
assist you in the preparation of your lab report.
1. You should keep all prelab notes, original copies of the data collected
during the lab and sketches of your graphs on
loose leaf paper in your physics notebook
2. All laboratory reports are to be word-processed including data tables and
sample calculations. If you don’t know
how to set up tables on your word processor, ask. You should print on one
side only.
The
work should be neat and concise.
3. An appropriate title of the investigation, your name, the name(s) of all
members of your laboratory team, the date the investigation was performed and
your class period are to be written on your report coversheet.
4. The title for the report should again be placed on the top of the first page
of the report.
5. A copy of the Group Lab report Grading Rubric should be attached to the top
of the report. List the names of all
group members and the class period.
6. Each of the following sections of the laboratory report should be prefaced
with the section names.
|
Purpose |
This is a statement of the problem to be
investigated. It provides the overall direction for laboratory
investigation and must be addressed in the conclusion. The statement should
reflect both the group and class purposes, if they are different. |
|
Apparatus |
All laboratory apparatus used in the
investigation, along with a detailed diagram to illustrate the configuration
of the apparatus, should be included in this section. See example below.
The variables to be measured should be clearly pictured.
 |
|
Procedure |
This section should identify and name all
experimental variables and briefly describe how the independent variables
are controlled. Someone who was not present during the lab should be able
to understand how the experiment was performed by reading your procedure. |
|
Data |
Data consists only of those values
measured directly from the experimental apparatus.
No values obtained by way of mathematical
manipulations or interpretations of any kind may be included in this section
of the report. Data should consist of as many trials as judgement would
indicate necessary. The units for physical measurements (kg, m, s, etc.) in
a data table should be specified in column heading only. Measured values
for all controlled variables should be listed in a separate table.
|
|
Evaluation
of Data |
This section should include all graphs,
analysis of graphs, and post laboratory calculations. For sample
calculations, state each formula, and if necessary, identify the symbols
used in the formula. If repetitive calculations are to be performed,
substitute only one set of data into each formula and then construct
a table of values for all additional calculated values. Be certain
that your final calculated values are expressed to the correct number of
significant figures with the correct units. Do not show your arithmetic
calculations. Analysis of graphs include the inclusion of any slopes,
y-intercepts (or areas if needed) for the analysis of the data. The
significance of these quantities should be discussed. |
|
Conclusion |
In the conclusion you must do the
following: Restate the purpose of the investigation. Identify and define any
new terms or concepts introduced in this investigation. State the
relationship between the variables identified in the purpose in a clear,
concise English sentence (answer the question implied in the purpose). If
the group purpose was a part of a lager class investigation, discuss how
your results contributed to the development of the class model. When a
mathematical expression can be derived from graphical analysis, write the
equation or model identified, making sure to include the appropriate units.
Identify the evidence the lab provided to support your results. State the
meaning of the slope and discuss the significance of the
y-intercept (when appropriate). When your results differ from
what theory expects (and it always will) , provide some plausible
explanations for your error (be specific). Never blame the error on
“experimental error” or “human error” or “measurement error”. Be specific. |
The first four
sections (Purpose, Apparatus and Procedure, Graphs, Data, and Evaluation of
Data) will be written and
submitted by the lab group. Organize yourselves as to how you are going to
spread out the responsibilities of writing
each section and how the parts are going to be assembled. One person is
NOT to do all of the writing. Each group
member has a responsibility to make sure that all of the assigned tasks
are completed satisfactorily.
Each individual
will write their own Conclusion section of the report. All will be attached to
the back of the group report.
One Conclusion will be selected at random and graded for the group.
Though group members are encouraged to
work together on the report, they are not to submit multiple copies of
the same Conclusion with different names.
Each member is to write their own report Conclusion based on the
discussion within the group.
Make sure that you
compare your report to the grading rubric to make sure that all points that I
will be looking for are adequately covered in your report.
The entire report should be stapled together
with one staple in the upper left hand corner. Finished report should
include (in order): Grading Rubric, Cover Sheet, Group report, Graphs and
individual Conclusions.
Remember you will be graded on the quality
of the write up, not its length. I will be looking for organization, insight,
accuracy, neatness, compactness and comprehension of the principle being
investigated.
I would be happy to read any section you
have written prior to submission if you have provided me with plenty
of lead-time and time for your rewrite based on my suggestions. Don’t try
to give it to me to read the morning of the
day that the report is due. If you email me a sample of your writing,
make sure I know in advance to expect it.
If you do not get a reply in a reasonable amount of time, assume that I
never saw your submission and finish up
your writing on your own. You cannot use me for an excuse for not having
your report in on time.