FORMAT FOR LAB REPORTS

CHEM 151 – GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY – SPRING 2021

Section F5, Fridays, 12:10 – 12:40pm, ONLINE via Blackboard
PROFFESOR DAVID M. SARNO
EMAIL: DSarno@qcc.cuny.edu OFFICE HOURS: Mon 10-11am, Tue 1-2pm, Wed 2-3pm
Our lab section is participating in a study funded by the US Department of Education HSI-STEM
program with Queens College. For our purposes, this means that we will use a “scaffolded” approach
to writing lab reports that includes specific questions that must be answered (see below). The goal is to
provide structure to your reports and help you gain confidence in your writing. Later in the semester, we
will switch to a more typical lab report format (see page 2).

SCAFFOLDED LAB REPORT WORKSHEET (70 pts total)

1. What is the main goal/objective/purpose of this experiment? (5 pts)

2. What are at least three of the primary chemical concepts that are needed to complete the
experiment and interpret the results? What chapter and section of the CH-151 textbook are these
concepts located in? (5 pts)

3. List at least five technical terms (vocabulary words) and their definitions related to the experiment.
(5 pts)

4. List all of the equipment and glassware used for the experiment. (5 pts)

5. List all of the chemical compounds used in the experiment. For each compound, provide its name,
formula, molecular weight, concentration (if a solution), and its primary hazard (carcinogen,
flammable, etc.). (5 pts)

6. Does the experiment rely on a chemical reaction? If so, what is the overall balanced chemical
reaction? Does the experiment depend on a physical property? If so, describe the physical
property that is involved. Include all states and conditions. (5 pts)

7. What are the mathematical relationships or equations that are needed for this experiment? Define
all of the terms in the equation, and explain how they relate to each other. (5 pts)

8. What observation(s) must be made in order to move through the steps of the procedure or to
make a measurement? (5 pts)

9. What data is being collected in the experiment? What is/are the results of the experiment? How
is the data used to calculate the result? (5 pts)

10. What conclusion(s) can be drawn from the results of the experiment? (5 pts)

11. Describe any sources of error and how they impact the results in this experiment. Consider
limitations in the experimental setup or assumptions that have been made. Mistakes or failure to
follow instructions are not valid sources of error. (5 pts)

You must attach the pre-lab sheet (with any corrections you have made) (5 pts) and the completed
data sheet (10 pts). You must show all of your work, include labels and units, and report values to the
correct number of significant figures. All images must be inserted into your document and they must
be clearly legible, full size on the page, and in “portrait” orientation. You must submit a single
document in pdf format. Multiple documents and image files will not be accepted.

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FORMAL LAB REPORT FORMAT
A lab report must be written for every experiment. You must use the format below. Your report will
include 1) the written sections, 2) the data sheet, and 3) the pre-lab questions. They must be assembled
into a single document and uploaded to Blackboard. Detailed instructions will be provided in class.
1. Your name
2. Title of experiment and date performed
3. Objective
In 1-2 sentences, explain your primary goals and the method or theory used to achieve them.
4. Pre-lab questions (corrected, if necessary)
You must attempt to solve all pre-lab problems. Answer the questions to the best of your ability
and upload them to Blackboard before the lab session begins. The purpose is to make you read
and think about the experiment ahead of time. You may make corrections after completing the
experiment and the final version will be included in your lab report. Detailed instructions will be
provided in class.
5. Introduction/Theory
Elaborate on your Objective. Describe the scientific principle behind the experiment. It may be
based on the pre-lab discussion, material in the lab manual, your text book, or other sources
(include citations). Include and explain the relevance of formulas and chemical equations.
6. List of materials and equipment - include everything!
7. Procedure and observations
Describe the experimental procedure in detail so the reader could visualize the whole thing.
Write using the past tense and avoid the first-person voice (I, we, us). You are not giving
instructions, so describe only what was actually done, including any changes that were made to
the procedure. Describe key observations and measurements, but the actual data need not be
included. Finally, do not explain how to do calculations and do not include your final results or
analysis of the experiment in this section. (These will appear in the Discussion/Conclusion.) See
page 3 for more information.
8. Data and calculations
The lab manual provides data sheets. You should scan or take a picture of your completed data
sheet and insert it into your lab report. Calculations should be clearly labeled and neatly worked
out. (You may prepare your own data sheet if you wish, but it is unnecessary.)
9. Sources of error
Describe what could have led to incorrect or inaccurate results in this experiment, as well as
steps that could be taken to prevent or correct the problems. Consider limitations in the
experimental setup or assumptions that have been made. Mistakes or failure to follow
instructions are not valid sources of error.
10. Discussion and conclusions
Describe if and how the experimental objectives were met, and what scientific principles were
investigated. Explain how the theory was applied to your data and measurements to
achieve your objective. Be sure to include your key data and results in the discussion. When
possible, compare your results to reference values. When identifying an unknown, describe how
you made this decision. Specific prompts will usually be given in class. You must follow them.

You must attach the pre-lab sheet (with any corrections you have made) and the completed data
sheet. You must show all of your work, include labels and units, and report values to the correct
number of significant figures. All images must be inserted into your document and they must be
clearly legible, full size on the page, and in “portrait” orientation. You must submit a single document
in pdf format. Multiple documents and image files will not be accepted.

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 IMPORTANT POLICIES AND INSTRUCTIONS

1. The pre-lab for each experiment must be submitted via Blackboard by 7:00AM on the day of the
experiment. Make your best effort and SHOW YOUR WORK. This first submission will not be
closely graded. Corrections should be made prior to inserting it into your completed lab report.
2. The completed lab report consists of 1) the written sections, 2) the (corrected) pre-lab exercise,
and 3) the data sheet. You may scan or take pictures of the data and pre-lab sheets. The pre-lab
and data sheets must be embedded in the report so that it is a single document. Reports will be
submitted as pdf files via the “Assignments” folder in Blackboard.
3. Each section of the lab report include the question from the worksheet or the section heading
from the formal report (Objective, Introduction, etc.). Do not write it as a continuous “essay”.
Leave space between each section so that I can insert comments and feedback.
4. Formal lab reports are usually 2-3 pages long, plus the pre-lab and data sheets. A cover page is
unnecessary.
5. The scaffolded reports are worth 100 points each. Formal lab reports are worth 15 points each
with each section worth between 1 and 3 points.
6. You will have one full week to complete each lab report. Your report must be submitted by the
start of the next class session.
7. Points will be deducted per class session for late submissions. Extensions may be granted at my
discretion. It is always a good idea to contact me if you have any concerns.
8. Your attendance and class participation contribute to the participation portion of your lab grade.
Because all lab sessions will be live-streamed and recorded for later playback, you are expected
to complete all experiments even if you cannot be present for the live session. I will do my best to
be flexible, but you must make an effort to justify any absences or delays. Please contact me!
9. Lab reports will not be accepted more than two class sessions late. You will be given a zero for
the assignment. Extensions may be granted at my discretion. You must contact me to make
specific arrangements.
10. All students are welcome to share a draft of their lab report before the assignment is due. I will be
happy to review it with you and make suggestions for improvement. This must be done during
my office hours or by appointment and via Blackboard Collaborate. I will not review and
evaluate emailed lab reports.
11. Lab reports are individual assignments. You will have the same data as some of your
classmates, and you are permitted to discuss the results with each other, but the written report is
your own work. The Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity states:
“It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of
Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member’s
discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though
reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and
department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender’s grade as deemed
appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases,
an F to the student for the entire course.”
Lab reports will be submitted to Blackboard using “SafeAssign”. This subjects documents to a
similarity analysis that flags text plagiarized from other sources.
12. You are permitted to rewrite your first and second lab reports if you earn less than 13.5/15
(90%); however, you should first discuss your report with me. Rewrites submitted without first
consulting with me will be subject to a small grade penalty even if they are an improvement over
the original.
13. The lab grade is based on: Lab reports (60%), Pre-lab assignments (10%), Quizzes (15%),
Participation (5%), Lab final exam (10%). The lab grade comprises 25% of the course grade.
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 ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR WRITING LAB REPORTS

Always re-read and revise what you have written! It must make sense to someone who has not done
the experiment. Keep your writing concise. Avoid long and complicated sentences. You should refer to
the sample lab reports posted on Blackboard. Please contact me if you have any questions about writing
lab reports. The Center for Tutoring and Academic Support is also an excellent resource that offers
one-on-one live online tutoring.

Objective, Theory and Conclusion

These three sections must all relate to each other. The Objective is usually one sentence that very
briefly states two things: what you will do and how you will do it (i.e. method or theory). The Theory
section provides the necessary background information necessary to achieve your Objectives. The
Conclusion must explain how your measurements and results are related to the Objectives and Theory
of the experiment.
Equipment and materials
This should include everything that was used (chemicals, glassware, measuring devices, etc.). Re-read
the procedure, review the video demonstration, and compile a list.
Procedure
The reader should be able to clearly visualize the experiment you performed. You are not providing a
set of instructions. Instead, you are describing what you have already done; therefore, you must write
using the past tense. Do not write in the first person or use words such as I, we, us, and you. You must
use paragraph format. Do not use numbered or bulleted steps.
You do not have to include details such as how much water you used in a water bath, but if the manual
indicates you must use a specific quantity of a reagent, you should include it. Although it is not
necessary to include actual data/results in this section, you should indicate when a measurement has
been made. (For example, “The mass of the sample was measured after it was dried.” Or “The final
volume of the buret was measured.”) This applies to any observation or action that determines how you
will proceed with the experiment. For instance, specific observations such as a color change or
formation of a precipitate are critical because without them, you cannot accomplish the objectives; they
must therefore be included. You may also find it useful to include a diagram of the experimental set-up.
Further, some things are always assumed and should not be included in the procedure. For example,
do not write that you have followed instructions, gathered materials, wore your safety goggles, checked
with the instructor, or performed calculations, nor should you describe how you did calculations. Finally,
do not include the final results or analysis of the experiment in this section. This information will be
addressed in the Discussion/Conclusion.
Sources of error
It is useful to be able to propose possible sources of error and ways to eliminate them. Your ideas may
sometimes be interesting, but not realistic, scientifically accurate, or relevant to the experiment. Do not
be discouraged if I make a comment that says this! Also, you should try to explain the effects of the
errors. Why are they important? What specific problems will they cause? We will often discuss sources
of error at the end of our session. These should all be included in your report.
Discussion and conclusion
The Conclusion must tie into the Objective and Theory that you have already presented. It should briefly
explain the concept you studied, and it should also provide the most important results. The conclusion
is more than just a list of the data. It should explain how the data you collected are connected to each
other and how the results are supported by the theory. It can repeat or refer to passages from your
Theory if this helps you to clearly make your point. If your final result is a calculation, give the value with
its units. (Do not describe how you performed the calculation.) If you identified a substance, explain
how you did so; for instance, by including and comparing your results with reference values so that the
reader does not have to make any assumptions. Any prompts I provide to help you organize this section
must be followed.
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 CH-151: LABORATORY SCHEDULE

LAB MANUAL: Laboratory Experiments for General Chemistry, 3rd Edition

P. Irigoyen, F. Rudo, D. Sarno, J. Shin, P. Svoronos, and P. Wong
Kendall Hunt Publishing, https://he.kendallhunt.com/svoronos

WEEK EXPERIMENT TITLE EXPT. #

1 Check-in; Safety Video/Quiz; Lab Equipment Review --

2 Quiz: Laboratory Equipment

Review: Overview of Mathematics in General Chemistry I
Expt: Density of a Solution 1

3 Quiz: Mathematics in General Chemistry I

Lab report writing workshop
If the Safety Video has not been seen before this experiment,
you will not be allowed to continue in the course!

4 Molar Mass of a Copper Compound 3

5 Composition of a Mixture 4

6 Electrolytes 5

7 Qualitative Analysis 6

8 Determination of Water of Hydration by Gravimetric Analysis 7

9 Preparation and Standardization of a Sodium Hydroxide Solution 8

10 Molar Mass of a Volatile Liquid 9

11 Equivalent Weight of a Metal 10

12 Beer-Lambert's Law and Spectrophotometry 11

13 Determination of a Molar Mass by the Freezing Point 12

Depression Method

14 Review for laboratory and lecture final exams --

15 “Check-Out” and Lab Final Exam (10% of lab grade) --

** The pre-lab assignment is always due before its lab sessions begins.
** The finished lab report is always due before the following lab session.

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