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Objective: To review the elements of a lab report in order to present

experimental findings.

Core Question: How can experimental findings be presented?

Drill: 1. Take out all your hypothesis, procedures, data chart, and log

book. 2. Get a copy of each ditto from the

SET. TODAY YOU WILL TAKE NOTES AS

NEEDED.

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TITLE

1. Key words capitalized2. Appropriate to project question

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Problem Question

1. How does … affect …?2. Based on assigned variable

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HYPOTHESIS

1. 3 parts2. If …, then …, because …

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Materials

1. Number items in list.2. Include amounts when necessary.3. Spacing should be even and neat.4. The catapult is one of the

materials. Do not include the materials to build the catapult.

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PROCEDURES

1. Steps are numbered.2. “Gather materials” is not a step.3. Begin each step with an action

verb.4. Include only 1 main step per

number.5. Steps are sequential, logical, and

specific.

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DATA CHART

1. Title is appropriate.2. Include units in your headings.3. Follow guidelines on “Data Chart”

handout. (found in your SAVE section)

4. Averages should be calculated to the same degree as your measurements.

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GRAPH

1. Extra Credit2. Deals only with average data, not

individual trials3. Probably a bar graph format4. Include proper labels and

appropriate spacing.

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CONCLUSION AND ANALYSIS (handout)

1. Restate problem question.2. Restate the hypothesis (no “because”)3. Support/refute the hypothesis USING

LAB DATA (averages). 4. Do not guess as to why things occurred.5. Provide a concluding statement

answering the main problem question.6. Do not include any personal pronouns.

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The problem explored in this investigation was, “How does the color of the base structure of the catapult affect the distance that a marshmallow is launched?” The hypothesis proposed that, “If the base structure of the catapult is red, then the marshmallow will launch the greatest distance.” This hypothesis was proven incorrect. The launches from the red catapult averaged 17.43 m. This was not significantly different from the blue catapult that averaged a launch distance of 16.78 m or the yellow catapult that averaged a launch distance of 17.51 m. However the catapult with the orange base structure averaged a launch distance of 22.74 m. This is significantly greater than the other catapults. Therefore, it can be concluded that if the base structure of a catapult is orange than a marshmallow will launch the greatest distance.

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SOURCES OF ERROR(Uncorrected problems that could have led to

faulty data)

1. Difficulty with setting the exact launch angle could cause errors in distances.

2. Problems identifying the exact landing spot could cause errors in distances.

3. Stretching of the rubber band after repeated trials could cause inconsistent forces on the catapult arm.

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FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS(Something else to think about)

1. Do all secondary colors lead to a greater launch distance?

2. How does the length of the lever arm affect the launch distance of a catapult?

3. How would the color of the marshmallow affect the launch distance?

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OTHER INFORMATION AND TIPS

1. Your report should be neat. It may be typed.

2. Label each section.3. Avoid all personal pronouns.4. Make sure that your name is on the

report and that multiple pages are secured.

5. Groups may share data and procedures, but each group member is to write his/her own conclusion.

6. Due Date: ______________

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GRADE SHEET