Science in Practice: Practical Classes & Reports Quick Reference

Practicals teach handling materials, equipment and instruments; develop hands-on skills; apply scientific principles; learn lab safety and teamwork.

Purpose: gain practical skills, apply concepts, work safely and collaboratively.

Varies by unit; usually in large units you work in small groups ( $2\text{ to }3\text{ students}$ ) within a larger group ( $16\text{ students}$ ); guided by Laboratory Manual and Demonstrator; typical duration $2\text{ to }4\text{ hours}$ .

Students: dress appropriately; prepare; arrive early; work independently but cooperatively; submit own work.
Demonstrators: facilitate; keep on track; demonstrate techniques; help with safety; provide technical assistance; support student self-help; mark practical reports.

Hazards: hazardous chemicals, bacteria, high currents, etc.
Complete safety talks/videos/quizzes before entering; know procedures for fires, spills, evacuations, broken glass and minor wounds.
PPE: safety glasses, lab coat, nitrile/latex gloves, tied-back hair, skin-covering clothes.
Do not muck around in the lab.

Practicals depend on students: be understanding of stresses; prepare thoroughly (read the practical, readings, and do extra work); practice problem solving; stay positive.

Reports should accurately reflect observations and outcomes; reader should determine aim, methodology, results, and overall outcome; provide enough information to repeat the experiment; rationale behind aspects should be clear.

Title; Abstract ( $100\text{ to }150\text{ words}$ , single paragraph); Contents; Introduction; Materials and methods; Results; Discussion; Summary and conclusions; Appendices; References.

Write in passive voice, past tense, objective language.
Passive vs Active: Passive: Acetone ( $10\text{ mL}$ ) was added to the mixture; Active: I added $10\text{ mL}$ of acetone.
Past vs Present: Past: The temperature of the mixture was recorded after $1\text{ hour}$ ; Present: An increase in temperature occurs in $1\text{ hour}$ .
Objective vs Subjective: Objective: The rats were weighed daily over a $2\text{ weeks}$ ; Subjective: I weighed the rats daily with a Salter scale.
Quality criteria: Clarity, Correctness, Completeness, Simplicity, Readability, Objectivity.
Abbreviations: Avoid abbreviations unless previously defined.
Keep writing simple and readable; use clear headings and good formatting.