Lecture 7 Loose Ends

1. Lecture 7Loose 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 • Use equation editor for all equations. • I suggest using inline equations for variables in text to ensure consistent formatting. Do not use different fonts for equations and in text variables! where r is the radius (m). • Center equations, equation numbers along right edge (use tabs or a table)

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. • Objective/background • Theory • 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: • A printout of your methods section from the experimental plan. • Some blank sheets with the experiment name and date at the top – used to record everything you do in the lab. • 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.