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How To Write Up A Chemistry Lab For CSEC

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149 views3 pages

How To Write Up A Chemistry Lab For CSEC

Uploaded by

wfelicia399
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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FORMAT FOR WRITING A TYPICAL LAB REPORT SUCCESSFULLY

https://youtu.be/FR28zf2Aiwo

● Lab # (this number indicates the chronological order of labs completed In your lab book)

● Title (usually given by the teacher – topic or sub-topic)

● Date (date experiment is done –imperative for ethical and professional standards)

● Aim (one sentence that gives the reason or purpose for doing the experiment: it
usually starts with “To determine or To investigate…”)

● Apparatus (list of all glassware, equipment, instruments used in the experiment)

● Materials (list of all chemicals and disposable materials used in the experiment)

● Method/Procedure (list of steps taken in carrying out the experiment in the order in
which it was done- written in past tense, not using nouns or pronouns) A two
dimensional diagram of the setup of the experiment can be included here

● Drawing of Apparatus Setup (This is relevant to the lab that has a specific setup required
that is best diagrammatically represented)

● Results (Recording of all the observations or data you obtained from the experiment using
your senses, written in prose/sentences or table form – whichever is the clearer
presentation)

● Treatment of Results (Any calculations or graphs plotted based on data obtained from
the experiment)

● Discussion (paragraphs in past tense that explain why the particular results were
obtained – research usually give answers)

○ A background to the chemistry of the topic/subtopic is provided. It provides


definitions or explanations of the concept being investigated then follows with
the explanation of how the experiment relates to the topic/subtopic

○ Relate the theory with the practical results (the results obtained in the
experiment) and the theoretical results (the results that are expected based on
the theory), complete with any explanations for any differences between the
obtained and expected results.

● Precautions If the experiment produced the expected results write down anything that
was done to ensure correct or accurate results as precautions.

● Sources of error Otherwise write down anything that might have caused incorrect results
as sources of error

● Reflection A reflection should show your capacity to think and be introspective and
willingness to learn more about the fundamental nature, purpose and essence of
everything. It is intended to make you more conscious and aware. Therefore when
reflecting on an experiment try to:
○ Connect it to previous knowledge and experience
○ Say how you think the experiment is useful
○ Show relevance of experiment to real life
○ Impact of knowledge gained from experiment
○ How experiment can be changed or improved

● Conclusion (short statement of findings related to the aim – it answers the aim of
the experiment based on results, observations and explanations proposed

SKILLS NORMALLY ASSESSED FOR SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENTS (SBAs)

Manipulation and Measurement (M/M)


Tests the student’s ability to:

● Set up and handle carefully and competently simple lab apparatus and measuring
instruments eg Bunsen burner, measuring cylinder, beakers, thermometers, rulers,
stopwatch, balance boiling and test tubes, test tube holder, burette, pipette, conical flask,
syringe, voltmeter, ammeter
● Use apparatus appropriate to task
● Take accurate measurements
● Appropriately prepare materials for observation/investigation
● Master techniques
● Use materials economically
● Keep a tidy and organized work space

Observation/Recording/Reporting (ORR)
This skill shows the ability to use the senses and extensions of them to:

● Perceive changes objects and events accurately as they occur in the experiment
● Present a written report, drawing or other graphical presentation’
○ Which is clear
○ Concise
○ Accurate
○ Pertinent to investigation
● Report and recheck unexpected results
● Obtain repeated results to improve accuracy

Recording

Data must be recorded in a clear and concise manner. Observations and data may be recorded
in the following format.

● Prose –written description of observations in past-tense ( BUT future tense for Planning
and Designing labs) and standard English
● Table – Neatly enclosed with Title
○ Numerical: physical quantities in heading, correct units stated in heading,
symbols, decimal points.
○ Non-numerical: headings correct, details present
● Graph – Axes labeled with units, correct scales, correct plotting, smooth curves/best fit
lines. Drawing of apparatus as set up for use.

Reporting

A comprehensive written report of practical written in format outlined above.

Analysis and Interpretation (AI)


Develops students’ ability to:

● Make accurate calculations


● Identify patterns and trends of graphs
● Compare actual results with expected results and propose possible explanations if they
are different – the expected results will be based on theory.
● Analyze and interpret results and observation and make conclusions to either support or
refute hypothesis and answer the aim
● Identify limitations, assumptions and sources of error
● Suggest alternative methods or modifications to existing methods

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