LABORATORY REPORT FORMAT

This page covers the basic requirements for the lab report. You will not need to write a detailed procedure, duplicating what is in the lab manual. Instead, there will be a one-page handout available when you get to the lab describing what you should hand in for that particular experiment. The focus will be on analyzing and interpreting your data.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

  1. The pre-lab assignment (which counts for 20%) must be completed before you get to the lab. These are available on WebCT. The pre-labs help you prepare for the lab session.

  2. Lab manual: Read the manual before going to the lab, so you know what to expect.

  3. Data analysis: While it is important that results be neatly tabulated and calculations performed correctly, it is equally important that you understand the point of each measurement and the connection between the data obtained and the theory under examination.

  4. Think critically, and question everything. Pay attention to the subtle details. If, for instance, your numbers are consistently lower than what you expect, can you come up with a good explanation?

  5. Think about how to present the data. Should you stick with a table, or would a graph be better? If you do go with a graph, what should you graph versus what?

  6. Conclusions should follow from the data! We are less concerned with the results than the quality of your argument. For example, if your data indicates that momentum is not conserved in a collision, you should state this whether or not your result agrees with the theory. Whenever possible, a quantitative estimate of the uncertainty should be included.

  7. Don't blame things on "human error." If you make a mistake in the lab then you can correct it and repeat the measurement. Work carefully, trying to minimize sources of error, and really think about whether the theory applies 100% to the real world where you're taking measurements.

  8. You should use high-resolution graph paper, which will be provided in the lab, for your graphs. Drawing graphs on quadrille paper is not accurate enough.

  9. You can submit your report to your lab TF (teaching fellow) as a set of neatly stapled looseleaf sheets.