Science — Chemistry

Chemistry Lab Documentation Sheet

Grades K-12  |  Aurora Curriculum Pack
Safety first — document before you begin: Chemistry involves materials that can cause burns, stains, or reactions. Before any experiment, identify safety requirements. Circle all that apply: Eye protection    Gloves    Ventilation    Adult supervision    No eating/drinking nearby
Aurora Chemistry standard: Chemistry is documented change. Every observation must record what you saw, smelled, measured, or felt — not what you expected to see. The question "what changed?" is the beginning of chemistry.
Experiment Identity

Experiment name or topic: _______________________________________________

Date: _______________    Grade level: _______________    Facilitator: _______________

Chemistry concept being investigated (circle one):   States of Matter    Chemical Reaction    Properties    Mixtures    Acids/Bases    Energy/Heat    Atomic Structure

Materials List — Document Before You Start

Chemicals or substances used:

Equipment used:

Testable Question

Write your question in the form: "What happens to [substance/system] when [variable is changed]?"

Hypothesis

Complete this sentence: "I predict that when [action], [substance] will [predicted change] because [prior knowledge]."

Procedure — Document Each Step

Number your steps. Be specific enough that another scholar could repeat this experiment exactly.

Documented Observations — During and After
Time/StepWhat I Saw (visual change)What I MeasuredOther Senses (smell, sound, temperature)
Before start
During
After
Physical vs. Chemical Change — Classify Your Results

Signs of a chemical change observed (circle any that apply):

Color change    Gas produced (bubbles)    Heat released or absorbed    Light produced    Precipitate formed    Odor change    Irreversible change

This is most likely a: (circle one)
Physical change (substance stays the same, form changes)
Chemical change (new substance formed)

My evidence for this classification:

For Grades 6-12: Molecular Explanation

Describe what you think is happening at the particle level during this reaction. What bonds might be breaking or forming?

Documented Conclusion

Did your results support your hypothesis? Use "My data shows..." to begin your conclusion. State whether your hypothesis was supported or contradicted and explain why.

Error Analysis

Name one thing that could have affected your results that you could not control (temperature of room, measurement precision, purity of materials). How might you control for it next time?

Aurora Pause

Name one real-world application of the chemical principle you observed today. Where does this chemistry happen outside of a laboratory?