Homework andReport Writing

Chapter 2 – pgs. 47-66Freshman Engineering Clinic

Dr. Hong Zhang*Adopted from Freshman Clinic Notes

Homework

Combination of art and science Science

◦ Knowledge of math, chemistry, physics and engineering principles

◦ Correctly apply to solve the problem Art

◦ Judgment, experience, common sense◦ Reduce real-world problem to a form that can be

solved using science principles

Problem Analysis

Recognize and understand problem Accumulate data and verify accuracy Select appropriate theory or principle Make necessary assumptions Solve the problem Verify and check results

Engineering Method

Must solve and present problems in a logical and orderly way

Problem statement Diagram Theory Assumptions Solution steps Identify results and

check accuracy

Problem Presentation

Engineering paper Heading – include name, date, sheet

number Use pencil Write NEATLY Check spelling Clearly separate problems

Standards to Follow

Diagrams should be clear and understandable

Include units on quantities (ex. Force in lb.) See also Freshman Clinic Handbook pgs. 9

and 10 If use computer, make sure the format of

your file is readable without special software.

Standards to Follow (cont.)

Report

Lab reportsTerm reportsProject reportsResearch articles

Type of Reports

Present dataExplain resultsExpress ideasDisseminate knowledgePersuade people

Goal of Reports

Title Page Abstract Introduction Methods and Materials (or Equipment) Experimental Procedure Results and Discussion Conclusion References Appendices

Typical Components

Name of the experiment◦ Good: Effect on memory with caffeine and sleep

deprivation◦ Bad: Lab #1

Full names of lab partners Date and location Submittal information (course name,

number and instructor).

Title Page

Summarize ◦ Purpose of the experiment ◦ Key results◦ Significance ◦ Major conclusions

Sometime includes a brief reference to theory or methodology.

One paragraph of 100-200 words Often written last

Abstract

States the objective and scope Provides background Explain relevance and importance Preview the content The “WHY” part of the paper

Introduction

The scientific principles that applied to the experiment and are relevant to the analysis and interpretation of results.

Include equations used in calculating results.

“Theoretically HOW” Part

Theory

Source (company name and location) of all materials used

Model and manufacturer for all specialized laboratory equipment

Methods of the experiment Procedures of the experiment “Practically HOW” part 

Methods, Equipment, Procedure

Present the findings Interprets the significance All results should be explained, analyzed,

and interpreted   DO NOT just show the raw data

Results and Discussion

What do the results indicate? What is the significance of the results? How does observed results compare with

expected results? How does your results compare with

existing knowledge? “WHAT” part

Analysis and Interpretation

Is there any error? Was it avoidable? Was it a result of equipment, method or

theory?  How to eliminate or reduce it?

Error Analysis

Use graphs, figures, and tables to help explain methods and results

Always explain and analyze in the text Put caption and reference number on each

of graphs and tables No “orphan” graphs and tables

Graphs and Tables

Present tense: Theory and permanent equipment◦ “The purpose of this report is..." ◦ “The acceleration of gravity is…”◦ “The thermometer measures…”

Past tense: Experiment◦ “The objective of the experiment was…”

Verb Tense

Summarize the significance and implications of the findings.

Be consistent with the stated objectives and with the results.

Discuss possible improvements and future works.

Future work should be positive, relevant, constructive, useful, and practical.

Conclusions

Included if information from outside sources is included in the report.

Any material or information taken from another source must be specifically cited (footnoted) in the text

appear at the end of the document in endnote format.

NOT a reading list of books and articles on the subject.

References

Raw data, calculations, graphs, pictures or tables that have not been included in the report itself.

Put each kind of item in a separate appendix. Each Appendix should have a letter

designation (Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.) and a descriptive title. ◦ Title example: "Laboratory Data for Coffee

Concentration as a Function of Grinding Time." Each appendix should be referred to at least

once in the body of the report

Appendices