The Laboratory Notebook
As was mentioned earlier in this book, laboratory experiments are an indispensable component
of AP Chemistry and the most effective way of learning complex concepts. You may be re-
quired to submit your AP Chemistry laboratory notebook to a university in order to receive
credit for college chemistry. How that notebook is organized and the presentation of the labora-
tory work is critical for receiving full college credit. Following are some guidelines that should
be considered in presenting your work for the year. You will also find an actual lab write-up
from a student to be used as a guide in creating your own notebook. This sample lab write-up is
found on pages 256–282 of this book.
Obtain a bound notebook with quadrille paper (^1 ⁄ 4 " squares). The “graph paper” will help you
line up tables, charts, and so on. Never remove sheets from the notebook.
Consult your instructor as to whether you are to use pen or pencil. Pen is generally preferred
(and “cross-outs” are permitted).
Always use a ruler to make straight lines. A “French Curve” is often useful for other types of
graphical representations; also, see VI (below).
On the outside of the notebook, and in ink, print your name, class title, instructor’s name and
course title as neatly as you can in block letters.
The first page of the notebook is the title page, where you, as neatly as possible, place your
name, class title, instructor’s name, semester and year, institution, and (if you wish) your ad-
dress, e-mail address, and phone number. Consult your instructor for placement of these items.
Leave the next three pages blank as they will be used for the Table of Contents. In block letters,
print “Table of Contents” on the first of these pages. Update the Table of Contents after each
lab write-up.
In the upper right hand corner of the fourth sheet in the notebook, place a “1”. Continue to
number the remaining pages in the notebook. Do not write on the back of the paper. The back
is used by the teaching assistant or instructor for comments to you about the facing page.
As you examine the actual lab write-up included in this book, pay careful attention to how
neatly the lab was written. Neatness is fundamental for obtaining college credit.
Do not erase errors or mistakes. Instead, draw a single straight line, with a ruler, through any
error(s).
The sections of the lab write-up include, but are not limited to:
I. Title
II. Date:
III. Purpose: A brief paragraph describing what is to be accomplished.
Laboratory Experiments