Lab Skills

Conceptual Physics
Parts of a Lab
Problem
Purpose
Hypothesis
Experiment
Procedure
Data
Analysis
Calculations
Graphs
Conclusion
Procedure
Follow instructions
precisely.

Cutting corners will
lead directly to
errors in your data.
Data
This information is
collected and recorded
during the experiment.

What are some ways of
collecting data?
Observation
Measurement

Calculations
Where data is
analyzed using
mathematical
operations

Show all work for
each calculation!

Separate from data
Graphing
Illustrates a trend
or relationship

Includes important
graph parts
Important Graph Parts:
(Place this info on the last page of your journal.)
Title: in the form Y vs. X
Labeled axes: with variable and unit
Use a SMOOTH line or curve: Not Dot to Dot
Correct and Accurate Scale
Adequate Size: fills at least of the paper
Key: Only when graphing more than 1 thing
Multiple Colors: Again only when graphing
multiple things

Conclusion
Explains your thoughts
concerning the problem
experimented with.

States your level of
understanding
concerning the topic.
Parts of a conclusion
(Place this info on the last page of your journal.)
Identify and restate the purpose.
Evaluate your hypothesis:
Was it supported by the data or unsupported?
Never state that you were correct or incorrect!
Briefly discuss your procedure.
Identify errors and suggest corrections
Never use human error! Be specific!
Make a Concluding Statement
With support from your data, calculations, and graph
Suggestions for future study.