Each formal report must be word processed with data and graphs included in appropriate places in the main body of the text rather than tacked on at the end. Each project report will be graded and returned for revision. After it is revised by you, it will be resubmitted and the instructor will assign a second grade to it.
As you write your reports, imagine that the audience consists of fellow students in your class who have not seen the apparatus or done the project you have undertaken. Would such a reader be able to understand what you did? Would that reader know how you did it and what the significance of your results is?
One final word of advice. Working on your projects is your responsibility. Due to the independent nature of the work, there is a tendency for students to put off the project until the deadline for completion nears. Because there are usually unforeseen problems when attempting any scientific experiment, you are urged to begin your projects early. One of the skills we hope you learn is how to deal effectively with unforeseen (and sometimes difficult) problems.
These files are all in Portable Document Format (.pdf), so you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this information.
Mini lessons (from Dr. Julia Kamenetzky)