Observations are only those physical quantities which you observe.........with
your senses.......(vision, smell, sound, touch, taste). You do not calculate
an observation. Observations usually include the raw data that you read or
measured.
You may include anecdotal observations especially if you are going to use
the observation in the evaluation section. For example if your evaluation
explains that your data could be in error because 'the wheel had a bump in
it', or 'the cart didn't go straight' or any other legitimate reason, I would
expect to see this information first in the observation section of the report.
Unless otherwise specified, you are required to indicate uncertainty in
any quantitative observations.
Format
Scientific notation should be used in all observed data.
There is more authenticity to a finding in a laboratory report if raw data
is not recopied, that the original form of the data collection is included
in the lab. You are encouraged to pre make data collection tables.
If there is a significant amount of observed data it should be tabulated
and placed in an appendix. This should be referred to in the body of the report
(e.g. 'refer to Appendix C, Tabulated Data; Fig 7 -
Raw and Calculated Data ')
If raw data and calculated data exist in the same table and you are referring
to it in the observation section of your report, then specifically refer to
the observed data. (e.g. Fig 7 - Raw and Calculated
Data column 1 and 2)
If raw data is required to be handed in (like a ticker tape or a ray diagram)
then it should be attached to a sheet of paper (if required) numbered, titled
and appended to the back of the lab report.
For tabulated data it may be best to include uncertainty at the top of the
table, e.g.