Populations Lab Write-up Reminders

You should make sure you have the following in your Populations Lab.  Your first draft is due Monday 11/7 for Peer Review.

1.   Focused Question.  Typically you only have 1 focused question, but in this lab since we were pretty open-ended about looking at different factors to get more to talk about, you might have a multi-part focused question.
2.  Background.  This can be personal background, including why you chose the question, but could include class material, and will probably require some research.  Include citations for research!!
3. Variables.  Typically you have independent, dependent, and controlled, but as stated above, you may actually have more than one independent variable this time.  Controlled should be explained as to how you attempted to control them or why you didn't.
4. Methodology:  includes materials you used and specifically how you carried out the investigation.  Include number of subjects, number of trials, etc.  It is good to explain why you chose what you did.  Methodology is not just WHAT you did but HOW and WHY.
5. Data:  should be in a well-labeled and titled data table(s).  Must include uncertainty and qualitative data (observations).  
6. Data-processing:  calculations, graphs, charts of processed data.  Graphs should show uncertainty where appropriate.  Calculations should show the blank equation, equation filled in with numbers, and answer with units.  Use a good graphing program like LoggerPro for graphs!  If you need help with it, ask me or another student.
7. Conclusions:  interpret the data!  Use numbers to back yourself up.  Discuss relationships between variables.  Try to explain the data using science (possible evolutionary causes, maybe physics, etc).
8. Evaluation:  discuss causes of uncertainty or limitations, the degree to which that uncertainty impacts the data, and realistic suggestions for improvement.  This can be done in a chart if you would like. You should discuss at least 3 separate sources of uncertainty/limitations.
9. Communication:  Is your lab clear?  Does it have clear headings?  Are the units included?  Is it well-organized? Did you check for spelling and grammar errors?  
10. Personal Engagement:  Did you include your motivation for asking this question?  Do you show persistence in taking data and answering the question?  Are you thorough in your answers or somewhat dismissive or robotic?