background [prelab assignment (10 points) due at the beginning of lab]

this lab is a simulation, where different type of beans represents different isotopes.  What is a simulation ?

sketch a data table (i.e. not calculations) for your experimental measurements (i.e. see the purpose & list of materials, then design an appropriate experiment)

purpose

compare the calculation of the average bean mass using different methods:

1. mass of entire sample ÷ # beans in sample
2. Σ  ( mass of bean_i * % bean_i in sample )

materials

mixture / sample of different beans; balance

methods / data analysis

student design

 

Content of lab report [25 points]

data analysis (20 points)

data table containing your experimental data

calculation of the average bean mass in the sample using both methods (see purpose)

statistical data analysis, include stats output

discussion (10 points)

hypothesis:  would both methods (see purpose) provide the same result ? 

conclusion:  explicitly refer to statistics to support or refute your hypothesis.