Jerry Stephens's Weblog

Formal Lab Report Format 
 
General format 
1. Cover page 
2. Abstract/Purpose 
3. Introduction 
4. Diagram of any apparatus used 
5. Procedure/Experimental Design 
a. Materials list in alphabetical order 
b. Data/graphs 
6. Analysis of data 
a. Calculation page 
7. Conclusion 
8. Source of Errors 
9. Signature and date submitted. 
 
Cover page: 
 
1. Tile of experiment (center on title page) 
2. Name of teacher block and term 
3. Lower right hand corner your name first and last, below that any partners names 
4. Date lab was started. Not the date of the report. 
 
Abstract/Purpose: 
 
1. Write a brief statement of what you were verifying, measuring, deterring etc. Two or three sentences should be enough for this. Remember that your goal is never to “prove” something but to verify a hypothesis (This is where you include any hypotheses you may have developed) or theories. Any test one experimental factor at a time.  
2. Include your research question or problem in this section. 
 
Introduction: 
 
1. Provide some background to the experiment: concepts used, how any formula will be used.  
2. Define any terms that will be used. 
 
Diagram of apparatus used: 
 
1. Make a neatly drawn sketch of any assembled apparatus used for this experiment. Label each piece of equipment. (Make sure your sketch is of the apparatus you used and not a generic one). 
 
Procedure/experimental Design: 
 
1. Make a list of all materials used during this experiment. Alphabetize this list. 
2. List step by step a set of instructions detailing how you got your results; you may use diagrams when appropriate. 
3. Tables of raw data/ measurements, observations should be organized and placed towards the end of this section. 
4. Gathering equipment, calculations are not part of the procedure. 
5. These instructions should be detailed enough that any intelligent but inexperienced person can repeat this experiment and repeat your results. 
 
Analysis of data: 
 
1. Explain what the data means in words and show how to extract this meaning using the correct formulas. This section may include but not limited to 
a. Data tables showing original data collected and the results calculated from these results. 
b. Graphs with a best fit curve and coefficients 
c. A descriptive text explaining the graph or tables including appropriate units. Define what the unit mans with words.  
d. Show all work for any calculations in a logical organized fashion. 
 
Conclusion: 
 
1. Summarize what you accomplished through your analysis. Answer your research question. How did it fulfill the purpose of this experiment? Did this experiment confirm your hypothesis if so how and give evidence from your data. If not explain why and how your hypothesis was incorrect.  
2. Restate your hypothesis in this section 
3. avoid using the phrase “The experiment confirmed our hypothesis” 
4. Describe in detail any observations or trends n your data. 
5. Most conclusions end with a statement of what the next step should be and how this experiment could be improved. 
 
Sources of Error: 
 
1. Errors are not mistakes. They would arise even if the experimenters were extremely careful. Consider the assumptions made in the theory and the materials and methods used to do the experiment. What are the limitations of the equipment? List at least two facto5rs that resulted in experimental error. Explain how these errors could have influenced your results. 
 
Legal signature of all experimenters and date of submission for this report 
 
 
 

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Week 
1 Scientific Method/Data Analysis/Lab Safety 
2  
3 Physical/Chemical Properties of Matter, States of Matter 
4 Atom/Radiation/Quantum Theory/Electron Configuration 
5  
6 Periodic Table/Bonding/Naming Compounds 

8 Reaction Types/Balancing Equations 

10 Moles/Stoichiometry  
11  
12  
13 Acid/Base/Solutions 
14  
15 Gas Laws 
16 Review/Finals 

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Chemistry 
 
INSTRUCTOR: JERRY D. STEPHENS School Phone: 820-9063 ext. 2249 
E-mail: jerrystephens@walkerschools.org Parent conference Hours: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM & 3:10-3:45 PM 
 
TEXT: Glencoe Chemistry Matter and Change .  
Cost for lost book is $55.00 
 
INSTRUCTOR'S DESCRIPTION OF COURSE: 
 
This course will introduce you to the various disciplines of Chemistry, the basic laws that govern each of them, and some of the history of their development. I hope that this exploration will enrich your perspective on how scientific knowledge has grown throughout human history. This course will allow the student to discover how science influences the world we live in today, and how it could be employed in the future. 
 
Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes that it undergoes. Matter is defined as anything that has a mass and takes up space. Matter is made up of particles called atoms. The structure, composition and behavior of all matter can be explained by atoms and the changes they undergo.  
 
Because there are so many types of mater, there are many areas of study in the field of chemistry. Chemistry is usually divided into five branches summarized below. 
 
Branch Area of emphasis 
Organic Chemistry most carbon-containing compounds 
Inorganic Chemistry in general, matter that does not contain carbon 
Physical Chemistry the behavior and changes of matter and the related energy changes 
Analytical Chemistry components and composition of substances quantitative analysis 
Biochemistry matter and processes of living organisms 
 
In this class, we deal with topics from each of these five areas. Most of our course will come from the areas of Inorganic, Physical and Analytical. As time permits we will explore topics from the other areas as well. 
 
You will investigate many of the most fundamental ideas in Chemistry--those that make our experiencing of the material world intelligible. You will gather information on these topics through laboratory activities, reading the text, readings from other materials, lectures, and problems discussion sessions. Topics to be studied include but limited to the following. 
 
UNIT (Please note that this is not chapters as some topics will 
overlap chapters in out text.) 
1 – MATTER AND ENERGY 
2 – PERIODIC TABLE 
3 – COMPOUNDS 
4 – LAW OF CONSERVATION OF MASS/MATTER AND ENERGY 
5 – SOLUTIONS 
 
OBJECTIVES: 
 
In-class activities and course assignments are designed to provide students with opportunities to develop the abilities in the following areas: 
1. Ask scientific questions and identify experimental ways of answering such questions. 
2. Gather scientific information and data. 
3. Organize and communicate the results of observation and experimentation. 
4. Draw conclusions and make inferences from scientific data. 
5. Relate the results of observations and experimentation to scientific theories. 
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the conceptual knowledge of Chemical topics. 
7. Apply conceptual knowledge and mathematical relationships to the solution of scientific problems. 
 
ATTENDANCE: 
 
The Walker County Board of Education has in place an official policy regarding the exact number of the number of absences a student is allowed before the loss of credit for each class. Please refer to your student handbook for the specific details. I expect prompt, regular attendance to classes. You are expected to take an active, constructive role in contributing to the experience of this course. Should you be absent, you are responsible for arranging with me to make up missed work according to the Student Manual. Because of the longer periods, missing classes can seriously hamper your understanding and progress. Therefore, you will be given a daily grade for your attendance and class contribution. Absences will result in zeros being assigned for these grades. 
 
 
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: 
 
The following are general requirements and point assignments. These are a guide and will vary with the material being covered. 
 
1. Chapter Exams 100 points Test Grade)  
2. Quiz (unannounced) 100 points /images/emoticons/laugh.gifaily Grade)  
3. Experiments & write ups 100 points (Lab Grade 
4. Controversy Papers (see separate sheet) 100 points (Test Grade) 
6. Element Research Paper (see separate sheet) 100 points (Test Grade) 
9. Misc. chapter assignments 100 points both daily and  
homework grades 
10 Extra Credit 2 per chapter (Max) 50 points /images/emoticons/laugh.gifaily Grade Points) 
11. Progress Reports 100 points (Homework Grade) 
Nine weeks grade will be calculated according to the following values 
Daily Work 20 % of your nine weeks grade 
Homework 20 % of your nine weeks grade 
Lab Work 20 % of your nine weeks grade 
Test 40 % of your nine weeks grade 
 
Materials you will need to have access to during the term include color pencils or markers, poster board, graph paper, a scientific calculator (any brand). Some of these will be provides in class but students may want their personal supply. Each student will need a folder with tabs and pockets for to be turned in periodically during this course.  
 
EXTRA HELP/EXTRA CREDIT: 
 
I believe that any student can and will successfully complete this class if they are willing to extend the effort. I encourage students who are having trouble or simply do not understand some item to seek assistance. Please ask questions if you do not understand. I will be available to help you (one-on-one): 
A. almost every morning between 07:15 and 07:50,  
B. almost every afternoon after school until 4:00 or later if needed 
You may earn extra credit as follows: 
A. Verbal or written special report (points vary with complexity and detail) 
B. Class instruction on topic that we mutually agree upon (points vary) 
C. Various Lab supplies or other materials as announced by the teacher (points vary)  
D. Design, conduct, demonstrate and report on special lab experiment. 
Please note that no extra credit will be accepted if a student has not made an effort to complete the course requirements.  
 
GRADE REPORTS: 
A student may view their grades using the Power school internet site. The parents or legal guardian must contact the guidance office for details. 
CLASS ROOM RULES: See separate sheet 
 
NOTICE: This course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may/will be necessary. 
 
 
JERRY D. STEPHENS 

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