One of the main purposes of the physics labs in this course is to learn how scientists study the world around them. With a focus on the scientific process of asking questions and doing an experiment, students can learn how to think like a scientist.

Each lab has a similar structure.

• Students will work in groups of 3.
  • Designate one person to be the official record-keeper. (This role will change week-to-week.)
  • All students are expected to contribute ideas to the notebook, but the record-keeper will serve as something like the “group leader” (keeping records, making sure that the group has enough data, and asking questions to the group when things aren't clear).
  • All students are expected to work with the equipment and get experience handling apparatus and taking data.
• Each group will keep an electronic lab notebook.
  • The group should work on the notebook throughout the period, and the TA may ask to look at as they walk around checking on groups.
  • It is not formal, but it should be neat and organized.
  • It is a record of work done, and it is a place to make sketches, do quick calculations, or to write thoughts or questions.
  • Do not delete or erase. Instead, carefully indicate sections that you want to change (e.g. by making them a different color and adding a note); the notebook is a record of everything, including mistakes.)
• The group notebook is also the report for the group which will be graded. In addition to text, feel free to include photos or drawings in the report.
  • Did you build something? Make a sketch.
  • Did you observe something? Record what you see.
  • Did you ask a question? Write it down.
  • Did you collect data? Make a table.
  • Did you calculate quantities? Show your work.
  • Did you make a plot? Put a copy in the report.

For this lab, we will consider the process of scientific investigation as being made up of the following five stages:

• Observation
• Hypothesis and Prediction
• Experimentation and Analysis
• Communication
• Revision

Not every lab period will include every step. Some labs will focus on one part of the process only, while others will look at the process as a whole.

You will receive a single grade for each experiment out of a maximum of 10 points. This grade is based on an in-lab participation score (4 points, awarded individually) and a group lab report submitted electronically to the TA at the end of the lab period (6 points, awarded as a group).

Grading is based on the following rubric:

Your TA will grade your group's report and return it with a grade before your next lab period.

The instructional laboratory staff is always interested in feedback. Let us know if you find typos or mistakes, or let us know if you have comments about what you like or don't like about the lab experience.