You must obtain a bound laboratory notebook or computation book. Each member of a team should record their answers to the self test questions, all experimental procedures, setups and data in his or her lab book. As data is recorded it must always be entered on an informal plot in the lab book. One team member may initially record and plot the data and the other(s) subsequently copy it out. Each day's work should be dated. Be sure to record enough information so that you can tell me exactly what you did and what settings were used on the equipment. You need not write complete sentences, but be clear and neat.
The final result of your experiment will be a short (1500-2000 words) report of the type that appears in Physical Review Letters. The report should include the following parts:
You can find additional help with writing at the web site of the Manoa Writing Program http://mwp01.mwp.hawaii.edu/. Follow the "Student Resource & Information" link, followed by the "Help for Writers" link. Notice that you can make an appointment to get help with your writing by calling the Writing Workshop (956-7619).
After I receive the first drafts of your reports, I will read them and make comments on physics and on writing. I will indicate corrections and return your paper. You should submit a second draft to try for an improved grade. If the first draft is late, you will lose one grade step on your final grade for the experiment (A to A- to B+ to ...) for each day after the due date. Revisions must be submitted within two weeks of the original due date to be considered. You will submit the final draft of the last lab report on the date indicated--you will not have a chance to revise it.
You must use a word processor to compose your reports. I recommend either LATEX or MICROSOFT Word. I receommend that you embed your figures in your file. It is quite likely that I will ask you to make changes in the figures.
Prof. Tom Browder / teb#phys.hawaii.edu