.. _WritingALabReport:

Writing A Lab Report
=========================

Essential Materials
-------------------

No materials are needed.


Essential Skill
---------------


Objective
*********
Students will understand understand the requirements for lab reports.

Procedure
*********
All reports must adhere to the following format with clearly labeled sections:

1) OBJECTIVE: A clear statement of the goals of the investigation/experiment

2) THEORY/BACKGROUND: A clear exposition of the theoretical background of the investigation. All the formulae used and a description of the variables must be included in this section.

3) DATA: most often, the Data will consist of maps and photos, and numerical measurements made on these maps and photos. A description of the maps, photos is required and any numerical data extracted from these maps/photos must be neatly presented along with units. Numerical data is best presented in neatly labeled tables.

4) PROCEDURE: This sections contains the steps taken to complete the objectives of this lab. Break up the methodology into numbered steps and avoid narratives in a paragraph form.

5) CALCULATIONS: All calculations are to be clearly shown in original. Do not type your calculations. Make sure that all the calculated quantities have the appropriate units

6) RESULTS: Summarize all the numerical results of the experiment, preferably in a table.

7) ANALYSIS: Analyze the accuracy and implications of numerical results; Ascertain reasons for inaccurate results if that was the case

8) COMMENTS: State any comments you may have about the experiment performed

Laboratory reports are expected to be:

* Neat
* Organized
* With clearly labeled DATA tables with appropriate units
* All calculated quantities must have units on them
* There must be a clear RESULTS section summarizing the numerical results of the experiment preferably be in a tabular form

All the laboratory reports are expected to be in a binder with dividers to separate
the labs, such that the student will compile a Laboratory Portfolio in the course
of the Semester. The entire portfolio will be due at the last week of class. A
premium is placed on being neat, organized and concise.