Experimental Journal– Observations

 

PLEASE READ: 

Student journals are 10% of the score. and must be handwritten. The journal should be a stitched notebook (not loose leaf or spiral bound) and each entry should be dated and completed in blue or black ink. The journal is a required part of the display materials. No names should be visible in journals. The handwritten journal may contain printed and inserted electronic data, graphs, and resources. Or the printed items may be referenced and displayed in a separate notebook If printouts are included within the journal, the item must be taped to a separate page and the researcher must sign and date over the tape. NOTE: Journals are documents that show original thought and practice. They are only legally recognized when handwritten. The procedure and observations should be handwritten, dated, and signed to be a legal document.

 

Student Example Log Book Download Student Example Log Book (thank you Shaun!)- please know these are only snippets but notice the table of content, the observations along with data, and pictures (sorry they didn't copy the best) 

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Other tips: 

 

Recording Your Observations-

 

Helpful TIPS-check this out! Links to an external site.

 

During your experiment, remember to do the following:

 

  • Keep a Research Journal that includes all prep-work, observations, and data collected throughout your project from day 1 to completion. The journal will need to be displayed next to your CASEF posterboard and project paper!

 

Example Journal Template Download Example Journal Template

 

Suggested Journal Entries Download Suggested Journal Entries (you are now allowed to type your journal so ignore 3 ring binder note, and don't worry about what it says about meeting with teacher) 

 

  • Always perform multiple trials (at least 3) to bring validity to your results.

 

  • Take pictures during experiment to include in your overhead/PowerPoints slides (for PJAS) and on your posterboard (for CASEF). Label your pictures as Figure 1: Title it something that summarizes the picture and how it relates to your project. 

 

  • All measurements must be listed in METRIC. Points will be deducted from projects that use non-metric units!

 

How to Prepare a Log Book Links to an external site.:  Please note your notebook must be attached (can't be binder).