How to Record in a Science Lab Notebook
A science lab notebook is very important in the experimental process. Experiments in science are designed to prove a theory or teach about proven theories. Once an experiment has been designed the next task is to set up the experiment, record the results, and analyze those results. Most science lab classes require a written report of the experimental process, lab data and analysis. Without accurate and complete lab notes in a science lab notebook, recreating and understanding an experimental outcome will be difficult.
Good researchers DO NOT have piles of loose papers falling out of books and folders. They used bound laboratory notebooks to record data and perform calculations. Keep asking yourself these following questions:
"If I pick up this notebook in a year or two, is there enough information in my notebook for me to understand what was done, why, and what the results and conclusions were?"
"With these notes, could I set up this experiment exactly the same? Could someone else?"
With those questions in mind, follow these steps to record your experiment in a science lab notebook.
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Instructions
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In the upper right-hand corner of the notebook pages, write the title of the experiment, date, partner, and page number.
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Write the general purpose of the experiment in one to two sentences. As you work through the experiment, make sure to state the purpose of each new set of measurements and how it contributes to the overall purpose of the experiment.
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Draw any apparatus used in the experiment making sure to label all the parts. You may also want to include descriptions about how it was set up. The more details, the easier it will be to reproduce at a later date.
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Record all the original data in the bound laboratory notebook and NOT on scratch paper. Be sure to include what is being measured as well as the correct units. Any data that appears to be useless or wrong draw a single line through so it is still readable. After careful analysis, you may find that the measurement to be valuable.
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All measures quantities should include the uncertainty of the measurement. This is called error analysis which is stated as "+ or -" value. Remember that all measured values have some error.
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Anything that is calculated should be documented along with the method of calculation and the formula used to obtain the answer. Make sure that you pay close attention to significant figures.
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Graphical representations of you data should also be documented.
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Finally, briefly describe what you tested and the results and conclusions of the experiment. Don't forget to include how your results compare to "known" or previous results.
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Tips & Warnings
Good researchers DO NOT have piles of loose papers falling out of books and folders.
Any data that appears to be useless or wrong draw a single line through so it is still readable.
Write in your notebook in the order in which you worked.
Always write in you notebook as you do the experiment. Never wait until later.
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