NHS Chemistry and Physics 
Laboratory Journal       
notebook
The following general rules apply to your lab journal:
1. A composition notebook is provided for Chemistry and Honors Chemistry and must be used. On the front cover write "Chemistry"or  “Honors Chemistry” (depending on the course you are taking), your name, and period. Physics students must supply their own loose leaf notebook ( at least 1 inch). You must bring your prepared journal to the laboratory or you will not be permitted to complete the exercise and will receive a grade of zero for the laboratory. Only blue or black ink may be used, no pencil or different colored ink.

2. Number the pages of your laboratory journal. (Do the first 25 right away.)

3.  Use a ruler to make straight lines. If a mistake is made, cross it out neatly with a single line.

4.  Leave the first two pages blank. These pages will be used to make a Table of Contents.

5. A copy of your safety contract map must be placed in or attached to your journal. Chemistry and Honors Chemistry students must also keep a lab map in their journals.
  
For each experiment you should complete the sections as specified:

**********BEFORE THE LAB**********

The sections A through F of the journal must be completed before the laboratory for students to be  permitted to complete the exercise.
A. The Title and Date of the experiment and Lab Partner’s Name(s) on the first page and then just the title and date of the experiment on each subsequent page.

B. Purpose of the experiment: Using your own words, clearly state why you are doing this activity.

C. Hypothesis: a prediction of what will take place.  Your hypothesis and purpose must be clearly related.

D. List of Materials: List all of the equipment, supplies, and reagents that you will be using in the laboratory.  Be sure to use correct terms.

E. Procedure:
  • Leave a space at the start of the procedure to include any safety notes or questions.
  • Summarize, in your own words, the procedure to be followed. This should NOT be a regurgitation of procedure listed on the laboratory instruction sheet. You may use numbered steps or a flow chart.
  • Write a clear and concise recipe that you can follow in lab. As you prepare the procedure, really think about what you will be doing and how.  Note any questions and safety issues in the  space above the procedure.
  • You will not be permitted to use the laboratory instructions during the lab, only your lab journal.
F. Data Tables and Observations:
  • Predict what data you will be collecting and create tables to organize it.
  • Leave a space to record any other observations.
**********DURING THE LAB**********
  • Enter all observations in your lab journal directly from experimental work.
  • For each step, an observation should be made or piece of data determined.
  • Be sure to use correct significant digits and include the units and uncertainties.
  • Absolutely NO erasures or white-out.
**********AFTER THE LAB**********

A. Analysis (Calculations/Graphs/Results/Questions)
  • Calculations: one set of sample calculations must be included for each type of calculation done.
  • Graphs: must be titled, axes must be labeled, including units in parenthesis, a key/legend as needed.
  • Graphs may be generated by the computer, printed, and pasted in the journal.
B. Discussion/ Conclusions
  • The conclusion brings in the total picture of the major concept being considered.
  • Answer why this experiment was performed.  What is the principle being tested? Was your hypothesis correct? Refer back to purpose.
  • Any conclusion must be based on and supported by the data. Are there any patterns?
  • Include "insights", "sparkles", if available, if not - do not write fluff.
  • Discuss any problems that occurred during the running of the experiment.
  • Include how these problems may have affected the data observed.
  • Do not use the phrase "human error."
  • Do not discuss your "feelings"  about the laboratory or how much you enjoyed working with your partner.
  • Be concise.
  • Answer any questions given with the laboratory instructions in complete sentences.
Remember, your lab journal is the first draft of your lab report. The more detail you put in your journal, the easier it will be to create your final, formal report.

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