Materials in experiments

[gmx]

Do you include papers and pencils and humans (test subjects) in science experiments in the materials section or are these assumed?

[lexitu]

Assumed I am pretty sure although I can remember year seven science and trying to list every possible thing we could think of... e.g. pen, glue stick, scissors, calculator. Haha

[AzureBlue]

Assumed I am pretty sure although I can remember year seven science and trying to list every possible thing we could think of... e.g. pen, glue stick, scissors, calculator. Haha

Yeah, lol. I don't think you have to write those down anymore (they are assumed)... but do you still need to write lab coat and goggles on the exp write up? LOL

[lexitu]

Okay, one of those things where you should ask your teacher I think. My opinion though is: do not list people, or safety glasses or lab coats unless they form a major part of your prac report, e.g. you have to explain safety precautions.

Interestingly, I have just come across a sort of related question on a prac exam. How would you interpret this?

The enzyme for this experiment comes in a powder and needs to be made into a standard solution. What care is required when handling the enzyme powder when making up the solution? (the enzyme breaks down galactose) (1 mark)

My answer was: Powder should be measured exactly and must not be contaminated with substrate molecules.

What do you think of it? I wasn't sure if the question was geared towards safety or accuracy. Not the best answer.

[happyhappyland]

No you dont include them, the whole intention of including materials is to allow others to replicate your experiment and see if they get the same results. Putting pencils and paper in your materials sections demonstrates nothing about the experiment unless it was scientifically required.