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 prelab. 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

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 indepth 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 available online 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 a brief 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 by showing 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 observations in 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 on participation which is documented in this section! a. Record all measurements and observations directly into your data tables (in ink!) during the 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 right corner of each page. c. Cross out any unused space on the page at the end of the day.

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) and appropriately 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 the question 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 to improve your results. If you have suggestions about things we should change or add 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.