Labs are graded according to 4 standards which are described below. These standards define four categories of learning goals around which all of the labs are based. Each lab contains elements from each of the 4 standards.

This Standard covers skills related to the process of planning and executing an experiment in a scientifically rigorous manner. Examples of such skills include:

• The ability to use available apparatus to accomplish a specific experimental goal, with out explicit instructions on what to do and how to do it.
• The ability to determine what data needs to be collected, including how many measurements are needed over what range of values, in order to accomplish a specific experimental goal.
• The ability to identify potential systematic biases in your measurements, assess their magnitude, and modify your apparatus and procedures as necessary.

This Standard represents skills directly related to the analysis of data. Examples include:

• Performing calculations correctly.
• Understanding how to propagate uncertainties through calculations.
• Techniques for plotting and fitting data to simple functional forms.

This Standard represents skills necessary to communicate the results of scientific investigation clearly and precisely. Examples of these skills include:

• The ability to appropriately present data such as in tables or plots, with proper uncertainties and units, for maximum clarity.
• The ability to describe complex phenomena and procedures clearly and precisely, using proper scientific terminology and avoiding jargon and meaningless statements.

This Standard represents skills necessary to draw appropriate conclusions from a body of scientific investigation. Examples of these skills include:

• Drawing conclusions which are supported by your experimental results.
• Properly quantifying the degree of confidence you have in your results. Phrases such as “we think our results are pretty good”, “we were within 2% of the accepted value” and “human error” are unacceptable.

Points are not deducted for errors in a report. Each individual report will be assessed based on the four standards given above. Each Standard can receive one of three scores based on the associated criteria:

With 4 Standards worth 2 points each, an individual report is worth 8 points.

There are 6 labs for the quarter. Each lab is graded on each of the Standards using the Satisfactory, Needs Improvement, Incomplete marks described above.

This results in 6 labs x 4 standards per lab x 2 points per standard = 48 points.

The introductory at home assignment is worth 2 points resulting in a 50 points possible for the labs. See the course syllabus for information on how your lab score factors into your course grade.

Individual reports are due 48 hours after the lab ends.

If a report is turned in late the following apply.

• There is no promise that the TA will have your work graded in time before your next lab.
• Work handed in up to a week late will receive a 1 point penalty.
• Work handed in more than one week late will not be accepted.
• All work must be submitted no later than the end of 9th week.

Late penalties may be waived if they are the result of an instructor approved absence such as illness or family emergency. It is the responsibility of the student to go to the course instructor (i.e. the faculty teaching the lectures, not the TA) to obtain this approval.

There are no make up labs. In order to receive full credit for the lab component of the course you must attend and submit a report for all 6 labs.

If you are unable to attend your regularly scheduled lab section in you can contact Ms. Tiffany Kurns to obtain permission to attend a different lab section that runs during that same week.

If you miss a lab due to an instructor (i.e. faculty, not your TA) approved illness or other emergency, that lab will be waived and your lab score for the quarter will be based on the results of the other 5 labs which you complete.

Missing more than one lab for the quarter means that you cannot satisfy the experimental requirement for the course. You will need to see the course instructor to determine how to proceed in this situation.