Introduction to Scientific Writing

Introduction to Scientific Writing

Creative or Scientific?Both have a very important place in our worldFor formal lab reports it is important to vary your style of writing so that it is consistent with scientific standards (helps us communicate with each other easier)What is the difference?--- you try!

Subject: Bunsen Burners

In your pair groups write a few sentences in the style you are assigned (5 minutes) then we

will share.

Components of a Formal Introduction

• Title • Independent and Dependent variable(s)• General Background Information

• Describe important characteristics of the IV and DV using research

• Analysis of prior research • Statement of the problem

• Rationale (Why will you conduct this experiment? How does this relate to my everyday life?)

• Purpose (What do you hope to learn?)• Hypothesis (What do you think will

happen?)

Let's Try One TogetherIn this experiment we will be testing

temperatures affect on viscosity.

Materials: One set of 5 oils sealed in tubes with black rings, stopwatch, cow magnet, ruler,

beaker, Bunsen burner, and water

What is our purpose, rational, and hypothesis?

Paraphrasing

An elephant’s skin is wrinkled. The skin is almost one inch

thick. It will burn if it is exposed to the sun for a long time. That is why elephants spend much of

the day in the shade.

Paraphrasing (cont.)

1. What absolute minimum words do we need to understand? Cross out words we don’t need. (think caveman language….bare words)

2. Write words on a separate page.

3. Re-write without looking back.

Your Task• Research and design your own

experiment to study endothermic and exothermic reactions (in groups of three and four)

• Perform your experiment and gather data

• Write a formal introduction to a lab report

• Follow the format of the report using your rubric as a guide

Materials

Any item available to you at your lab station and:

Citric AcidHydrochloric Acid

Baking SodaMagnesium

Scale

Section 1 Lab GroupsA: James (3), Dan (1), Grady (4), and Zach (2)

B: Amanda (4), Alyssa (1), Veronica (2), and Beth (3)

C: Nora (3) Eul Ji (1), Simon (4), and Brian (2)

D: Andrew (2), Same (3), and Robert (1&4)

E: Ryan (1), Katy (3), Kelly (4), and Erica (2)

Section 2 Lab Groups

F: Forrest (1), Sean (3), Cat (2), and Eric (4)

G: Carly (4), Ben (3), Natalie (1), and Erin (2)

H: Kristen (3), DaSom (4), Becca (2), and Tyler (1)

I: Landon (3), Alex (4), Casey (2), and Sam (1)

J: Justin (4), Conner (2), Emma (3), and Hannah (1)

Section 4 Lab GroupsGroup P: Angel (3), Erin (1), Hannah F (4), and Tonya (2)

Group Q: Mike (2), Jenny O (1), Anna (4), and Tom (3)

Group R: Rachel (2), Meredith (1), Erikson (4), and Zach (3)

Group S: Cat (1 & 4), Joe L (2), and Derek (3)

Group T: Hanna H (1), Joe V (2), Bryant (4), and Jesse (3)

Group U: Linh (1), Lizzy (2), Ryan (3), and Brian (4)

GradingGrading will be done using the rubric found online and in your lab packet. Be sure to

follow it completely for the best grade. Each individual will receive his/her own grade, but

each person’s contribution is vital to the success of the experience.