Lab Report Format
Data is collected in groups. Lab reports may be submitted individually or as a group. If the report is written by the group, all members must contribute to the report. Remember that good technical writing is terse. Organization and readability should be a priority, as you are communicating your work to others. Use proper English; you will be graded on your grammar and syntax. Finally, do not submit work with spelling errors – all of the software you are using has spell-check capability.
Requirements
• A word processor with the ability to format mathematical equations. Microsoft Word has an equation editor and is installed on all lab computers.
• A spreadsheet capable of performing extended linear regression analysis. The LoggerPro application is capable of performing both linear and non-linear curve fitting, and is the best choice. Microsoft Excel is another alternative.
Each section of the report is discussed briefly below. Be sure to look at the sample report to see a finished product (compare it with the original lab experiment handout).
Word Processor Document (60 points)
Cover Page (5 points)
Include the number and title of the experiment, your name, class, section, the date the report was submitted, and the names of all lab partners who worked with you.
Objective (5 points)
This is the main objective of the experiment. This should be no more than 15 – 20 words.
Theory (10 points)
Present and explain each equation used in your analysis. This includes any equations for which you are trying to confirm a relationship, as well as those equations used in your calculations. Not every equation used needs to be given. For example, you do not need to give mean or standard error equations, but propagation of error equations should be given. The equations should be presented in the order they were used. Each equation should be on its own line