Lab+Notebook+Instructions





Your lab notebook should be an inexpensive black bound composition notebook (not spiral-bound). The laboratory notebook is a complete record of your work in the laboratory. In both academic and industrial settings, the notebook is a legal document that records your original work. United States patents are granted on a "first to invent" basis, so it is not surprising that laboratory notebooks are occasionally subpoenaed. For example, in 1995 Exxon and Dow Chemical became embroiled in a patent dispute that arose when both companies claimed to have invented a catalyst within two weeks of each other. That dispute involves a product worth hundreds of millions of dollars per year and has yet to be resolved. Both companies built their cases around **laboratory records** and employee depositions. It is therefore not surprising that companies not only require that their employees keep thorough records, but that they are signed and witnessed each week! 1. Number each page (1,2,3...) in the top right-hand corner.
 * A.P. Biology Lab Notebook Instructions**

2. The first three pages of your laboratory notebook should be reserved for a table of contents which should be kept up to date. The table of contents should include the title of your experiment and the starting page number of the experiment.

3. Each experiment should begin on a new page. Never put information from more than one experiment on a page. Include the following items on EVERY page: //Title of the experiment (“continued if applicable)// //Your name:// //Date:// 4. If there are pre-lab exercises these should be completed in your lan notebook. 5. The purpose of the experiment should also be on the starting page of the experiment. 6. You should state the hypothesis you are testing. 7. Your procedure should be referenced or stapled into your lab notebook. Note any deviations to the written procedure. If you are designing the experiment please include sufficient detail which would allow another scientist to repeat your experiment. 8. Your notebook should be used to record: All data collected. Data should be labeled. Graphs should be included. All observations. Make sure to note any mishaps which might affect results. All equipment/glassware used. Any calculations performed during the experiment.

8. All entries should be made in blue or black ink. 9. NEVER use intermediate scratch sheets, paper towels, or write data on your hands. THIS IS POOR LAB TECHNIQUE! All data and observations should be entered directly into your lab notebook as you are performing the experiment.

10. Mistakes are to be clearly crossed out but left in a legible manner (to avoid giving the impression of trying to conceal something).

11. Your notebook should be neat, orderly and complete. Another student, or teacher should be able to take your notebook either now or months later and be able to read it and understand what you did and the results you obtained. 12. Use your notebook during each laboratory session. Your lab notebooks will be collected and graded periodically. Please note...your **notebook entries are not typewritten**, but you should always strive for neatness and clarity! Please refer to pages 8-9 of “//A Student’s Guide to Writing in the Biological Sciences”// for further information regarding lab notebooks. The information on pages 9-11 will be useful in writing formal lab reports.