Ap_Chem

Format for Documenting Laboratory Participation Advanced Placement Chemistry The AP Chemistry Course requires the completion of a laboratory component comparable to college-level chemistry laboratories. Documentation of an AP Chemistry lab experience should be written in the following format: 1. Printed lab handout from teacher—to be placed in a three ring binder 2. Advance study (“prelab”) question solutions*—to be placed in a three ring binder. 3. Lab report (hand written)—to be completed in a bound notebook. 4. Formal lab (typed written)—to be placed in a three ring binder. 3. LAB NOTEBOOK The laboratory notebook should be neat and organized. It should also be written in a scientific manner, meaning that the writing is objective and uses the past tense. All entries into notebook are to be hand written (no cutting and pasting of computer print outs and devon is so lame his parents dont love him). Keep a running table of contents with page numbers on the very first page of your notebook. Copies of various lab notebooks are available for reference. ▪ Title/Source/Partner Name/Date:* (Record the title and lab notebook page number in the table of contents as well) ▪ Purpose:* Write one or two sentences that describe the reasons or objectives for completing the lab. ▪ Chemical Reaction:* List the balanced chemical reactions involved in the experiment, if applicable. ▪ List of Materials:* Include a list of materials needed to complete the experiment. ▪ Safety Considerations:* List applicable safety rules to consider in this experiment. Include special handling and disposal instructions. ▪ Procedure:* In your own words, write the directions for the experiment in a numbered step-by-step list. For CBL labs, the numbered step-by-step procedure from the lab handout may be substituted and DOES NOT have to be rewritten. Write the procedures with enough detail that experiments could be reproduced from what is written. The text may have a sequence that is not suitable for the lab, so you may have to write the steps in a different order than presented in the literature. For instance, towards the end of a procedure, you may be told to pour boiling water over a substance. When you write the procedure in you notebook, you may want to make an earlier step directing you to begin heating the water so that it is ready by the time you need it. ▪ Data Table(s):* Create a blank data table to record data collected during the experiment (completed for prelab assignment). Record the information from the experiment in the table while conducting the lab. Include units for all measurements. Any physical results such as a chromatogram will be turned in with the final typed report. Do not erase when recording data; simply draw a single line through a mistake and record the new value next to it. ▪ Observations:* Create a blank table to record observations collected during the experiment (completed for prelab assignment). Include anything you do, see, smell, hear, etc. ▪ Calculations/Results: Include all pertinent calculations. For all calculations, the equation must be expressed in words first before numbers are used in the equation. Show work for calculations, express all answers to the correct number of significant digits and include units. For repetitive problems, provide one sample calculation (with appropriate units) for each type of calculation. Percent error should be calculated in this section. For example: Mass of substance = mass of substance and beaker – mass of beaker 24 g = 63 g – 39 g Volume of object = Volume of water and object – volume of water only 2.0 mL = 14.3 mL – 12.3 mL Density = mass Volume = 24 g 2.0 mL = 12 g/mL ▪ Graphs: Data should be graphed with maximum use of the paper, labels on both axes with units, a title, and a best fit line or curve through the data. Write the equation expressing the relationship between the variables. Graphs may be hand drawn on graph paper or prepared on a computer. Tape graphs into the notebook. Not all activities will require a graph. *items that must be prepared before lab is to be performed 4. FORMAL LAB REPORT Scientific papers are written in an objective, technical form using the passive past tense. This report should be typed. ▪ Title/Source/Partner Name/Date: ▪ Abstract: Write three to four sentences briefly summarizing the purpose and procedure of the experiment, including a brief description of the results. The procedure may be different from what was originally written in the lab notebook depending on what actually happened in lab (what you intend to do is sometimes not what happens). ▪ Results and Discussion: State the results of the experiment and list any results from evaluation methods used (i.e. chromatography Rf values). Compare the results with standard values and list the percent error (when applicable). State whether the results were too high or too low. Suggest two sources of error related to the data you collected that would have caused these experimental results. Hypothesize why the errors occurred and what might be changed to avoid these errors. ▪ Answers to Questions: Rewrite the analysis/conclusion questions from the lab sheet and then answer each question. ▪ References: Cite reference material, if applicable. If it’s a handout from your teacher, simply list it as a handout from the instructor. Teacher notes: Make note of *items to be done for Prelab (also prelab questions due day lab is to be completed) title, source (given) partner name!!! date handwritten parts vs. typed parts procedure summary ex. “React Zinc with HCl and predict the formula (by mass) of product formed.” Procedure notes: specific, written in own words (unless CBL lab) Questions about the procedure will be exposed when you write what you are going to do. Fewer mistakes will be made in the lab because you will be more familiar with the experiment. Additionally, you will frequently be able to do the lab in considerably less time than you would have without this preparation. Data table: may use original sheet from lab Observations: cheap, easy points but commonly forgotten!!! Calculations: show equation in words first, repetitive prob do one Graphs: remember titles, equation! Analysis questions: rewrite question—easier and faster to grade Conclusion: one of most important parts of report!!! Spend time! Follow directions provided carefully! Other reminders: ❑ Leave several pages at the beginning for a table of contents. ❑ Number each page of your notebook before using. ❑ Draw a single line through a mistake, and record the new value next to it. ❑ Record your ALL laboratory work in a bound notebook. ❑ Exemplars available to preview