Data and Observations

Data and Observations :

This is the section for your data and any observations that you think are interesting or important.

Data Table: Not every lab will have a data table, but this is where to put one if the lab warrants one. If it's huge, then making a statement and placing the data table after the main body of the report is acceptable. Often, the lab instruction book will have a sample data table printed for the labs. I recommend just using that format (as long as you understand the various columns), but you can be original if you wish (just make sure all important information is there).

This is also the area for calculations. Any calculation you complete for the lab needs to be shown in this section (or as a (see below) type attachment at the end. All calculations need to be in an easy to read format. You may just type them or you may use your equation editor feature (Insert menu, Object, Microsoft Equation for you Word users).

Questions:

This is where you answer the specific questions listed in the lab book. Sometimes, these are at the end of the lab, but sometimes they are scattered throughout the lab manual procedures and you have to look for them.

Conclusions:

The conclusion is usually the most difficult part of writing a lab. State a summary of what you learned from the experiment. You also need to state uncertainties or errors that could have impacted the lab. If the results didn't turn out like you hoped they would, or don't match the "stated values" listed in the lab manual, then what are some reasons for your results? There isn't a single lab on the planet that has absolutely zero uncertainty. You are not allowed to use the words human error. Just think of something that could have messed up your results and tell me the details. This can be as simple as the