Determination of the Ka for an Indicator by Spectrophotometry

Components of the Paper

Task:

Determination of the Ka for an Indicator by Spectrophotometry

GUIDELINES and RUBRIC FOR WRITING A FORMAL REPORT

The following has been adapted from The ACS Style Guide: A Manual for Authors and Editors.

Components of the Paper
Title
Byline (author)
Introduction: A clear statement of the problem or project/purpose, including the concepts and theories behind the experiment. (Ka, Indicators, and Spectrophotometry)
Experimental Section:  Cite lab manual.
Results: Summarize the data collected and the statistical treatment of them. Use equations, figures, and tables where necessary for clarity and conciseness. Show example calculations for pKa and Ka– this is not typically done in a scientific paper, but it makes grading easier. Include pKa and Ka values.
Discussion and Conclusion: Be objective. Interpret and compare your results.  Relate your results to your original purpose. Compare experimental pKa or Ka value to literature pKa or Ka values.   Based on your pKa or Ka and the color of your indicator predict the unknown indicator from those listed on p. 80 in the lab manual.  
References: Submit your list of references at the end of the paper.

Writing Style
Be clear and concise.
Avoid slang and jargon.
Use strong verbs; they are essential to clear, concise writing.
Use the active voice whenever possible.
Be brief. Wordiness usually adds nothing but confusion.
First person is acceptable where it helps keep your meaning clear:
        Jones reported xyz, but we found …
        Our recent work demonstrated …
        For these reasons, we began a study of …
    However, phrases like, “we concluded”, and “we can see” are unnecessary, as are personal opinions.
Try not to shift verb tenses within the same paragraph and section. However, the tense should change from section to section.  
-Present and past tenses are correct in the introduction.
-Simple past tense is correct for describing your procedures.
-Present tense is used for discussing your results and conclusions.

* Formal reports must be typed, double-spaced.
*PROOFREAD – check for typos and proper grammar. Points will be deducted if there are typing and/or grammar errors.


Name:_______________________________________                                 Grade:________/100
Determination of the Ka of an Indicator by Spectrometry Formal Lab Report
Format and Content (50 points)
Title
Byline
Introduction:  Purpose and Background    
Experimental Section:  Concise, Not copied from lab manual
Results
Discussion: Interpretation of results related to the purpose,    Comparison to calculated or literature values, Identity of unknown.
References: Cited in the text, Listed at the end

Writing

Focus/Thesis: The central idea/thesis of the entire paper as well as each paragraph therein is clear, compelling, and succinctly summarized at the beginning of the paper/paragraph.                 
Analysis and Interpretation: Demonstrates understanding, use and interpretation of material.  Develops ideas.                      
Organization and Coherence: Support of central ideas with background information and presentation tools where appropriate.  Smooth transitions.  Introduction and discussion are effective.      
Evidence and Documentation: Credible sources are used and documented correctly.  Ideas are supported by accurate evidence which is integrated into discussion.                
Language Use and Conventions: Precise word choice and usage, appropriate to audience and purpose.  Proper grammar, punctuation and spelling are used.  Clear meaning is conveyed.  Verb tenses are consistent.  Minimal use of first person.