Section I: Experimental Overview
1. What was the purpose of this experiment?
- The purpose of this experiment was to measure the average speeds of a toy car on a lower racetrack and a higher racetrack and compare the results.
2. What were the hypotheses for this experiment?
- The hypothesis for the experiment could be that the average speed of the car on the higher racetrack would be greater than on the lower racetrack due to the increased height of the higher racetrack.
3. What were the procedures used in this experiment?
- The procedures involved measuring the length of the racetrack, the quarters for checkpoints, and the heights of the lower and higher racetrack. Then, the time was recorded at checkpoints for both racetracks. The average speeds for each racetrack were calculated by dividing the elapsed time by the length of the corresponding quarter of the track.
Section II: Data and Observations
1. What data was collected in this experiment?
- The data collected includes the measurements of the racetrack and checkpoints, as well as the recorded times at checkpoints for both the lower and higher racetracks.
2. Were there any relevant observations made during the experiment?
- There may be some relevant observations made during the experiment, such as the smoothness of the racetrack surface or any noticeable differences in the car's performance on the different tracks.
Section III: Analysis and Discussion
1. What calculations or formulas were used in this experiment?
- The average speeds were calculated by dividing the elapsed time at each checkpoint by the length of the corresponding quarter of the track.
2. What are the key results and trends in the data?
- The key results include the average speeds for each quarter of the track on both the lower and higher racetracks. The trends in the data may indicate if the car's speed increased on the higher racetrack compared to the lower racetrack.
3. Were there any problems or unexpected data in the experiment?
- It is possible that there may be problems or unexpected data in the experiment, such as inconsistencies in the recorded times at checkpoints or variations in the car's performance.
Section IV: Conclusions
1. Were the hypotheses supported or refuted by the data?
- The hypothesis that the average speed of the car on the higher racetrack would be greater than on the lower racetrack may be supported if the average speeds on the higher racetrack are indeed higher.
2. What is the logical reasoning based on the data?
- The logical reasoning based on the data would involve analyzing the average speeds and comparing them between the lower and higher racetracks. If the average speeds on the higher racetrack are consistently higher, it suggests that the increased height of the track has an impact on the car's speed.
3. How could the experiment be improved?
- The experiment could be improved by ensuring accurate and consistent measurements, recording multiple trials for each checkpoint, and using more precise timing devices to reduce errors in the recorded times. Additionally, conducting the experiment multiple times with different cars or on different days could help validate the results.
Now you will use your answers from the questions above to write your lab report. Follow the directions below.
Section I: Experimental Overview
Use your answers from questions 1–3 as the basis for the first section of your lab report. This section provides your reader with background information about why you conducted this experiment and how it was completed. Outline the steps of the procedure in full sentences. It also provides potential answers (your hypothesis/es) relative to what you expected the experiment to demonstrate. This section should be 1–3 paragraphs in length.
Section II: Data and Observations
Use your answers from questions 4–5 as the basis for the second section of your lab report. This section provides your reader with the data from the experiment, in a summarized and concise way. No paragraphs are required for this section, but you do need to include the key data and observations from which you will generate your analysis and discussion. This section is objective.
Section III: Analysis and Discussion
Use your answers from questions 6–8 as the basis for the third section of your lab report. This section provides your reader with your interpretation of the data set. You will also give an example of any calculations or formulas you used to analyze your data. Also, you will want to include any graphs that you made and interpret them for the reader.
If you did construct graphs, your Student Guide included information on which graphs to construct. Graphs should have the following:
Appropriate titles
Appropriate labels for each axis
Appropriate scales for each axis
Correct units for the data
Complete a rough sketch of each graph. Explain in one or two sentences what trend the reader should observe in each of your graphs.
Mention any problems, unusual or unexpected data, or other factors with the experiment here, and suggest possible causes. This section can be somewhat subjective, unlike Section II, because you are free to include your personal interpretations or even speculation if it adds constructive, reasonable insight to the discussion.
This section is variable in length, and should likely be the longest part of your report.
Section IV: Conclusions
Copyright © Edgenuity Inc.
Copyright © Edgenuity Inc.
Lab Report Guide
Lab Report Guide
Use your answers from questions 9-11 as the basis for the fourth section of your lab report. In this section you will summarize the outcome of the experiment, and discuss how the original hypothesis(es) was (were) either supported or refuted. Use logic and reason in explaining your statements, and be sure to refer to specific data from your experiment that supports your argument.
This section also demonstrates your understanding of the experiment, through your ability to offer constructive criticism about its design and make suggestions for future experimentation. There are always ways that experiments can be improved. Now that you are a veteran of this experiment and have experience with the procedure, offer some advice to the next scientist about what you suggest and why.
This section should be 1–2 paragraphs long.
Overall
When complete, the lab report should be read as a coherent whole. Make sure that you connect different pieces with relevant transitions. Review for proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, and other conventions of organization and good writing.
Section I: Experimental Overview
The purpose of this experiment was to compare the average speeds of a toy car on a lower racetrack and a higher racetrack. The hypothesis for this experiment is that the average speed of the car on the higher racetrack would be greater than on the lower racetrack due to the increased height. The procedures involved measuring the length of the racetrack, the quarters for checkpoints, and the heights of the lower and higher racetrack. Then, the time was recorded at checkpoints for both racetracks. The average speeds for each racetrack were calculated by dividing the elapsed time by the length of the corresponding quarter of the track.
Section II: Data and Observations
The data collected includes measurements of the racetrack and checkpoints, as well as the recorded times at checkpoints for both the lower and higher racetracks. There may be additional observations made during the experiment, such as the smoothness of the racetrack surface or any noticeable differences in the car's performance on the different tracks.
Section III: Analysis and Discussion
The average speeds were calculated by dividing the elapsed time at each checkpoint by the length of the corresponding quarter of the track. The key results include the average speeds for each quarter of the track on both the lower and higher racetracks. The trends in the data will indicate if the car's speed increased on the higher racetrack compared to the lower racetrack. Any problems or unexpected data in the experiment should be mentioned, such as inconsistencies in recorded times or variations in the car's performance. Potential causes for these issues can also be discussed.
Section IV: Conclusions
Based on the data collected, the hypothesis that the average speed of the car on the higher racetrack would be greater than on the lower racetrack can be supported or refuted. The logical reasoning based on the data involves analyzing the average speeds and comparing them between the lower and higher racetracks. If the average speeds on the higher racetrack are consistently higher, it suggests that the increased height of the track has an impact on the car's speed. Suggestions for improving the experiment include ensuring accurate measurements, recording multiple trials, and using more precise timing devices. Conducting the experiment multiple times with different cars or on different days could help validate the results.