| Style Book for Science Portfolio of Investigation
Science students are required to keep a written record of their
laboratory work in the science courses. The book is an assessment portfolio
and serves as evidence of the work performed, and the ability of the student
to meet the objectives of the course. The student’s portfolio investigations
will reflect the expectations of both the scientific community and the
requirements for laboratory reporting.
REQUIREMENTS
1. Each student must obtain a standard hardcover, bound notebook (no
spiral binding).
2. Quadrille ruled pages
3. Only black ink may be used in the notebook.
4. Only the notebook will be allowed during lab, so the procedure and data
tables must be written in the notebook before lab begins. All data and
observations must be written directly into the notebook at the time of
observations, and not on scraps of paper to be used later.
5. Changes can be made only by drawing a single line through the previous
work, an entire page can be canceled by writing a diagonal line through
it.
6 Students are not to use white out, or rip out pages.
7. The second page of the lab notebook will contain the table of contents
with the experiment number, title, date, and page number as shown
below. The pages in the book will be numbered serially, after the
table of contents.
Date Number Title Page
WHAT GOES IN A NOTEBOOK ENTRY
Students must prepare A-E (see below) before coming to the laboratory.
A) TITLE
An experiment must begin on a new page and the date must appear on
the top of each page. The pages must be numbered serially. Use the front of
each page only for lab write up, and use the back for calculations and notes.
B) PURPOSE
There should be a short (one or two sentences) statement of the
purpose of the experiment, written in your own words.
C) THEORY, PLANNING A
This section is a brief statement of the model and principles that
the lab illustrates or exemplifies, written in the students own words. The
hypothesis is contained in the last sentence in the theory section. The
hypothesis will include the words; if, then, therefore or because.
D) PROCEDURE, PLANNING B
The purpose for the lab exercise must be written prior to the lab
period. Draw and label the materials or set up. A flow chart can be used, or
an outline, as long as all of the steps are included. Remember, you will be
required to perform the lab using the procedure alone.
E) DATA COLLECTION
All appropriate charts and tables must be included in the write up
before the student starts the lab. All relevant data and observations are to
be recorded as collected. All numerical data, tables, and graphs should be
clearly identified and labeled. Correct units and correct significant
figures must be used for all data.
F) DATA ANALYSIS
Show each formula used with one example of a calculation. The
results that the calculations show will be included in the data collection
charts and tables... Graphs are included in this section.
G) EVALUATION
This section contains the questions of the lab and a written
conclusion. Each question must be numbered and written, and answers will
refer to the collected data. The format of the conclusion will include;
a. A statement of purpose.
b. A summary of the theory(proven facts, applications).
c. A summary of the procedure. (How was the model tested?)
d. The results. (What did the tests show?) In this place a comparison of
expected results should be compared with test results.
e. Interpretation. (What the results mean.)
f. Expansion. Modifications (changes made within the procedure or
equipment, ideas for other labs, and possible sources or error
can be described. Questions for further study/recommended changes or
suggestions.
EVALUATION AND GRADING
The lab exercises and reports will be evaluated according to the
following eight criteria. Each criterion will receive 3-0 marks (points) for
a total of 24 possible points. Criteria 1-5 will be evaluated within the
portfolio and criteria, 6 and 7 external.
1) Planning A: A. Problem/research clearly stated
B. Hypothesis
C. Variables
2) Planning B: A. Method/Procedure-appropriate apparatus/materials
B. Allow for collecting relevant and sufficient data
3) Data Collection: Data collected must be clearly recorded with
appropriate units.
4) Data Analysis: Data is processed correctly to produce
results and presented appropriately and effectively.
5) Evaluation: 1. A valid conclusion.
2. Procedure is evaluated.
3. Suggestions for improvement.
6) Manipulative Skills: Organized and well ordered work with
a variety of instructions followed
with confident and competent techniques
and materials.
7) Personal Skills A: 1. Worked within the team.
2. Work collaboratively within the
team.
3. Recognize and encourage the
contributions of others
within the team.
8) Personal Skills B: 1. Self motivated
2. Worked in an ethical manner.
3. Paid attention to the
environment.
Level Descriptors for the Assessment Criteria
3 mark The student meets all aspects of the criterion completely.
2 mark The student meets all of the aspects of the criterion
partially and most aspects of the criterion completely.
1 mark The student meets all of the aspects of the criterion
partially or a few aspects of the criterion completely.
0 mark The student has not reached a standard by any of the
descriptors above.
FORMAT CHECK ALERT (Please review the checklist prior to submitting your lab
report/notebook)
1. Title
2. Purpose
3. Theory
4. Procedure
5. Data Collection
6. Data Analysis
7. Evaluation
STUDENTS THAT FAIL TO BRING THE WRITTEN LAB REPORT TO CLASS WILL RECEIVE NO
CREDIT AND POSSIBLE LAB PROBATION.
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