Organization

Grading

I. REQUIREMENTS

Planning conferences are to be arranged with the appropriate instructor. They must take place at least one day prior to the start of data collection. Expect them to last about 30 minutes.

All team members are to attend. The instructor will review the written planning report, offering suggestions and corrections.  The team can ask questions to resolve any remaining uncertainties.

The team should bring the following to the planning conference: (1) a copy of the planning report (to leave with the consultant for grading); (2) data sheet template. These may be hand-written and should indicate clearly how all data will be tabulated as they are collected.

The planning conference is a team effort. All team members will receive the same grade (unless it is obvious that one of them has not contributed or does not understand the purpose of the experiment.) 

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II. ORGANIZATION

We are looking for about 5 pages of text or less (double spaced, not including appendices and figures.) These following should be included:

A Title Page (similar to that of written reports)

An introduction. State the objectives concisely. Include the purpose and scope.  Objectives must be specific.  The assignment memos are vague, so you must define more specific objectives.  Otherwise, you will not have a clear purpose for your experiments and analysis. Briefly summarize the relevant theory.  Include key equations and cite the source of these, but omit details such as derivations. Summarize results/data available in the literature. (If you believe that no relevant data exist, say so and describe your search.)

A Materials and Methods section. Describe available equipment and how will you use it to achieve your objectives. Include a schematic showing all key devices, controls, and instrumentation. Explain what data you will collect. Be as specific as possible. For example, give ranges over which variables will be adjusted, number of measurements at each condition, etc.  

A Discussion section. Explain how will the data be analyzed. You must include sample calculations in an appendix. Given the literature and other information at your disposal, what are your expectations (trends, likely errors, etc.)? Comment on alternative approaches you considered, if any. Given the time available, will you be able to take enough data to draw convincing conclusions?

Note safety issues for this experiment (omit "obvious" things such as sharp objects, electric power, etc., unless you think there's a special danger). Note hazards of all chemicals used.

A Literature cited section similar to that of written reports.

Appendices. Include sample calculations that show how you will analyze the data.  These may be (neatly) hand written.  Include all required unit conversions.  Do your best to use realistic numerical values (a reasonable guess is OK).

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III. GRADING

Planning reports are worth 25 points each. A sample grade sheet is available. The grading criteria are:

Technical

Communication

Technical:  Response to Assignment Memo

Proposes experiments that satisfy the assignment

- Experiments will provide the desired results

- Results will answer the assignment's questions convincingly

- Alternative approaches are planned as appropriate (in case first approach fails).

Includes sufficient detail for a person "skilled in the art" to perform proposed experiments.

- Relevant equipment dimensions, key devices, controls, instrumentation, connectivity, limiting operating conditions, etc.

- Proposed operating conditions

- Measurements: which, when and how

Describes expected results

- Shows examples of figures, tables, and equations expected to appear in final report.

- Explains how experimental data might compare to predictions from theory or correlations.

Suggests safe procedures and includes specific methods to maintain safe operation

Sample calculations

- See requirements for written reports.  Replace measured values by reasonable guesses. 

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Communication

Persuasive, concise, well-organized, with related ideas grouped in sub-sections and presented in a logical order

- The required report sections are included. Items within these sections are presented in logical order.

- Body has adequate detail with supplementary information provided either as a literature citation or as an appendix.

- Brief, but sufficiently detailed for the audience.

- Edited for unnecessary words. 

Convinces the reader that the proposed experiments are efficient and will satisfy the objectives.

- Figures, tables, and supporting information formatted to have maximum impact

- Easy to understand and technically accurate.

- Descriptive captions &endash; 1 to 3 sentences highlighting important information presented.

- Descriptive axes names, data labels, figure titles, table headings, etc.

- Appropriate units, clearly indicated.

Correct grammar and style

- Sentence structure.

- Spelling.

- Clarity.

- Professional tone.

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