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Laboratory Notebook Guidelines

In any branch of science, the accurate, complete, and careful recording of data is just as important as its

later critical interpretation. In industry, government, and universities, data notebooks are legal

documents which form the basis of patent applications or provide priority in discovery. They also

furnish a historical development of scientific thought.

Learning to keep a notebook is an important part of this course. From it you will draw the information

needed to prepare the reports required. Since memory fades quickly, the failure to record all data (to

label information precisely and to accompany it with appropriate comments) will simply mean that you

will be unable to provide the information needed when your instructor or report sheet requires it.

All data- all means absolutely everything obtained in the laboratory including, weights, temperatures,

resultsare to be recorded in a bound notebook that makes carbonless copies. Copies of your

laboratory notebook pages are required for each lab report you submit.

The Laboratory Notebook is a Legal Document

All data are to be recorded in ink. There should be no loose papers in the lab notebook.

When a mistakes is made, simply line through the data once, leaving the numbers legible and write at

the side the reason for doubting or discarding the information. To allow for mistakes, optional notes,

observations, additional trials, calculations etc., it is wise to leave blank spaces when preparing the pre-

lab. Any leftover space not used by the end of the day MUST be crossed out.

Pages are to be used in order. NEVER SKIP PAGES. NEVER TEAR PAGES OUT.

Each page of the lab notebook should be numbered, dated, and initialed. This may mean that pages for

one experiment are intertwined for another.

Keep the Table of Contents up to date. Include Experiment Name, Date, Page #s

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Chemistry 121 Laboratory Grading Guidelines

Safety: I expect you to follow all safety precautions and standard laboratory practices (which we will go

over together), and to carefully obey all instructions regarding safe disposal of wastes. I am very strict

about wearing safety goggles over your eyes and shoes that cover the tops of your feet and all of your

toes in lab. For safety reason NO LAB WORK may begin until after the introductory lecture. A more in-depth discussion of Lab Safety will occur during our first lab session.

Attendance and Grading: Lab attendance is mandatory for a passing grade. Missing two, or more, lab

sessions and/or lab assignments will result in a failing grade for this class.

Lab Reports: Each report contains the following sections, in order.

1. Cover Sheet: Cover Sheets are available online through the Library eReserves.2. Pre-Laboratory notebook pages: Pre-Laboratory assignments are due at the beginning of the

lab period. I expect you to come to lab prepared to start work immediately after a short

introductory lecture. The experimental procedures for each laboratory session will be availableonline through the Library eReserves. Students will submit copies of their lab notebook pages

that were completed prior to the beginning of the lab period. I will initial the preparation work

and grade it when you turn in your completed lab report. Pre-lab submissions should include:

Title of the experiment Objectives of the experiment: This is a statement (or statements) of what is to be

accomplished in the laboratory experiment. Though it is true that one of the purposes of

the lab is to learn, it is inappropriate to include that as a written objective.

Prelab questions and answers: If prelab questions are given, write the question or abrief sense of the question. Answer the question in complete sentences, in your own

words (do not copy directly from lab manual or textbook or other student!), or byshowing calculations as needed. Showing work includes awareness of significant figures

and cancellation of units in a problem.

Safety Precautions: Chemical handling, disposal, personal safety equipment, etc. Planned Procedure: A brief outline of the experimental procedure should be complete

enough that you could do the entire experiment without the lab manual even if the

experiment were done a year later. .

Data Tables: Set up necessary data tables for recording measurements and observationsin the notebook before lab. Your measurements should include one estimated digit

beyond the marking of the instrument.

3. Notebook pages completed during lab: Approximately half of your lab grade is based onparticipation which is documented in this section!

a. Record all measurements and observations directly into your data tables (in ink!) duringthe experiment. It is very important to the appropriate number of significant figures and

units for all measurements.

b. Note and explain any deviations from planned procedure. Date and initial the lower rightcorner of each page.

c. Cross out any unused space on the page at the end of the day.

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4. Post-Lab pages:.Calculations:

Show your calculations. All calculations must use correct significant figures.You may receive no credit if no work is shown. If a calculation is repeated

multiple times, you are only required to show one example.

Any graphs must be titled with the axes labeled (include unites) andappropriately scaled. It is okay to tape graphs into the lab book. Be sure you

submit a copy of your graph for grading. Keep the original in the notebook.

Provide your answers to any specified questions. Include a summary of thequestion and show your work.

Results and Discussion:

Written statements describing your result, the theoretical value, percent error,and a logical explanation for your error. If you have your results in a table, your

statement must either include the results or a reference to the table.

Include a discussion of things that you could have done differently in order toimprove your results. If you have suggestions about things we should change oradd to this experiment for future students, write those down as well.

Post Lab Questions: Answered thoughtfully and thoroughly.

References: If you get any values or data from a source other than the detailed lab

procedure, you must include a reference to the source. I will not evaluate your

references based on proper literary citation standards, but your reference must be

meaningful and complete enough to allow any person to locate the information.