Biology Lab Notebook

							                              Biology Lab Notebook
          One of the most important supplies for biology is your lab notebook. This is a lab-based course and
you will need your lab notebook in class everyday. Place it in the pocket of your biology notebook. Do not
loan your lab notebook to anyone. Each year, several students loan their notebook to a friend who loses it.
You will do 4-6 labs every six weeks. They will comprise about 35% of your six weeks grade.

         Lab notebook Rules

         1. Neatness counts. Do your best; your grade depends on it.

         2. Do your lab write-ups promptly. Don’t wait until the end of the six weeks to write up your labs.
             Remember, your lab notebook grade will make a 20- 30 point difference in your six weeks
             grade.

         3. You may do your labs in pen or pencil.

         4. Any graphs that are to be placed into your lab notebook will be taped on all 4 sides. Don’t staple
             them. Don’t place them sideways. No foldies.

         5. Always start on the right hand page. You may use both sides of the page but always start on
              the right hand side.

         6. Never tear a page out of your notebook. They are sewn together, so if you tear a page out, the
             notebook will fall apart. If you mess up a page, cross out the page and I will act like it does not
             exist. If you need to remove a page, cut the page out at the margin line.

         7. Lab notebook Layout

             1.   Purpose: What knowledge will you gain from doing this lab?

             2.   Materials: List the materials you will need to do this lab.

             3.   Hypothesis: What do you expect the results of the lab to be? Not used in all labs.

             4.   Procedure: Write out the steps you will use in the lab.

             5.   Data: Write any information you observe during the lab.

             6.   Conclusion: Use the data to answer the questions from your lab. Write the questions.
                  Underline or highlight the answers.

         Lab Notebook point deductions:
             Using staples                                                 -20 points each
             Sideways Information or foldies                               -20 points each
             Labs out of order                                             -20 points each
             Unreadable                                                    -20- 50 points
             Labs out of order                                             -20 points each
             Lab sections out of order                                     -20 points each
                                      Lab Rules
                                      Mr. Judah
                                      Portable 5
1. Always read and understand the lab before starting any procedure. If you are unsure ask
    Mr. Judah before proceeding.
2. Do not begin the lab until told to do so.
3. Always use the safety equipment. Not wearing the safety equipment may reduce your
    grade.
4. Never eat or drink while in lab.
5. Don’t sniff or taste any chemicals.
6. If you make a mess clean it up. If the spill involves chemicals or broken glass, report it to
    Mr. Judah immediately.
7. Know where the fire extinguishers, safety shower, fire blanket and other safety equipment
    are located.
8. Keep all materials away from open flames. Tie back all loose hair and clothing.
9. A mature attitude is necessary for the safe operation of a lab. Think before you act.
    Horseplay will result in a grade of zero for that lab. Report horseplay to Mr. Judah before
    you become involved.
10. Report any accident or injury, no matter how small, to Mr. Judah

                                  Cleanup Procedures

1.   Return all materials to their proper place.
2.   Turn off any hot plates or other devices.
3.   Dispose of all chemicals as directed.
4.   Wash & Dry your lab area, lab tray and all equipment.
5.   Return your tray to its proper place.
6.   Check around your lab area to make sure it is clean.
7.   Wash your hands after working in the laboratory.
8.   Return to your seat and quietly finish your lab write-up.

                              Microscope procedures

1.   Always carry your microscope with both hands.
2.   Place it away from the edge of the table.
3.   Only use the course adjustment on low power.
4.   Before returning the microscope to the cabinet, be sure you have completed the
     following:
                  Clean any water from the stage ad lenses.
                  Check to make sure that all 4 lenses are clean. If they are dirty, ask for a
                      kimwipe. Do not clean the microscopes with paper towels or tissue. They
                      can scratch the lenses.
                  Be sure the microscope is set to the low power ocular.
                  Tie the cord using the Velcro cord tie.
                  Replace the dust cover.
                  Show your microscope to Mr. Judah
                  Return the microscope the cabinet.