1. Writing a Lab Report For fun and a profitable grade

2. Mechanics Review lab notebook Outline and write a draft Design Tables, captions, etc. Revise the draft Edit, spell / grammar check, and... proofread!!

3. Title Page Title of Experiment Your CognomenYour Cognomen Course/Instructor name Course/Instructor name Date Report Written Date Report Written

4. Sections of a Lab Report

5. Abstract –A brief summary of the experiment along with the results. (e.g. Iron ore sample #999 was determined to contain 56.77 ± 0.34%(w/w) Fe)

6. In this paper, a novel extraction approach based on the use of a polymeric membrane as the extraction medium is described. For this aim, an original unit which allows the magnetic stirring of the membrane during the extraction process has been designed, optimized, and practically evaluated. Once optimized, a model analytical problem, the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples, was selected for practical evaluation of the stir membrane extraction procedure. The method was characterized on the basis of its linearity, precision, and limits of detection. The novel approach was sensitive and precise enough for the detection of the target analytes in the low nanogram per liter range using 25 mL of sample. In fact, limits of detection ranged from 0.8 ng/L (fluoranthene) to 7.6 ng/L (benzo-anthracene) with relative standard deviations lower than 8%. Stir Membrane Extraction: A Useful Approach for Liquid Sample Pretreatment Analytical Chemistry M. C. Alcudia-Le, R. Lucena, S. C Denas and M. Valc Cel Publication Date (Web): September 28, 2009 (Article) DOI: 10.1021/ac9016192

7. Abstract –A brief summary of the experiment along with the results. (e.g. Iron ore sample #999 was determined to contain 56.77 ± 0.34%(w/w) Fe) Introduction –Why was the experiment run? What was the purpose? Experimental method –Enough detail to permit another to perform the same experiment –Cite the source of the procedure –Note any and all changes to published procedure

8. Results/Calculations Actual data (with units) arranged in tables Observations (particularly unexpected ones) One set of calculations in complete detail Discussion Begin with a statement of results (no yields!) Analyze results in relation to purpose of experiment and available knowledge Ensure inclusion of error analysis: mean, std dev, CI @ 90% and 99% CL References Full, accurate citations By superscript number or by author

9. Tables Label as: Table 1, Table 2, etc. Include a brief self-explanatory title Consist of at least 2 columns Like objects listed vertically, not horizontally Numbers should have decimals vertically in line Heading or label with units on each column e.g., Mass (g), not just ‘g’ or ‘mass’

10. Details Word-processed; 10 or 12 cpi Four – eight pages single-sided Third person, passive voice (no “I”, “my”, etc.) No contractions in a formal report ‘Its’ versus ‘it’s’ mL not ml sample vs replicate No numerals used to begin a sentence PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD!!!