The following general rules apply to your lab journal:

1. A thread - bound notebook must be used. On the front cover write "Chemistry", your  name, period, and classroom.  This notebook will be kept in class so it will be available  when needed.

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 with a single line through the mistake.

4.  Leave the first 5 pages blank. These pages will be used to make a Table of Contents.
 
For each experiment you should have the following items:
**********BEFORE THE LAB**********
 A.  The Title and Date of the experiment (first page only) and Lab Partner’s Name(s).

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

 C. Procedure:
· Summarize, in your own words, the procedure to be followed.
· This should NOT be a regurgitation of procedure listed on the laboratory  instructions sheet.
· Write a clear and concise recipe that you can follow in lab.
· Include any safety notes.

 D. Hypothesis: a prediction of what will take place.

 E. Data Tables and Observations:
· Thoughtful organization of data
**********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 include the units.
· Absolutely NO erasures or white-out.
**********AFTER THE LAB**********
 F. 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
· Questions assigned: answered in complete sentences

 G. Discussion/ Conclusions
· The conclusion brings in the total picture of the major concept being considered.
· Answer why this experiment was performed.  How was your hypothesis? Refer back to purpose.
· Must be based on and stand 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 affected the data observed.
· Do not use the phrase "human error."
· Be concise.
· Have fun!