Lab Instructions

A couple of days before lab period read the lab from the paper packet, and look at the pictures, hints, and links in the Modules section in Canvas.

Take the Readiness Assessment Quiz in Canvas and at the beginning of the lab period to demonstrate that you have come prepared.

Do the lab as outlined in the paper packet, following all safety procedures.  Work in small groups (groups of 3 are usually ideal, but sometimes groups of 2 are OK too) to collect the data.

You will turn in an individual write-up for each lab, even though you work in groups during lab time to collect data.  Make sure your write-up is your own work, even though the data will be the same as your lab partners’.  Do not do a group write-up nor copy others’ write-ups.

The conclusion section of your write-up is very important.  It is your chance to demonstrate you understanding of the main points.

Please make your write-up so clear that a layman could easily understand what you did--even so clear that you could reconstruct the lab yourself using only your write-up in 2 years.  Neatness, clarity and quality of communication are almost as important as good data and analysis.  Diagrams and graphs are very useful.  Label everything (especially axes on graphs) and put units on every quantity. Don't try to convince me that you know what you are doing; rather convince me that you can communicate that you know what you are doing.