Features:

• Robust introductory material provides context for the material covered in the chapter and helps students apply what they learn.
• The scientific method is covered in Lab 1 and revisited in almost every chapter. In the last chapter, students are asked to do an independent research project to practice each step of the scientific method from beginning to end.
• Procedures are clearly written and numbered. They explain how to set up the experiments, how to perform techniques, and where to record data.
• The inclusion of data, maps, and graphs that reference real-life situations keeps the content engaging for students.
• An extensive full-color art and photography program provides visuals of lab setups and real-world examples, and includes procedural and conceptual diagrams.
• Pre-lab questions are written to make sure students understand the basic concepts as well as the procedure they are going to conduct in lab. Students hypothesize what might happen and how changing variables will change the outcome. Some questions require calculations.
• The level of math in this manual is designed to be accessible to non-science majors. Step-by-step annotated examples reduce math difficulties by showing students how to work through the equations, which facilitates the understanding of math concepts and builds confidence.
• Efforts were made to keep the need for specialized equipment to a minimum. Computer tips are provided for schools with access to Vernier, Pasco, or other probes and software.
• Data sheets are provided for students to record their measurements and work through calculations.
• Thoughtful post-lab questions ensure students understand the overall concepts from the laboratory and make connections with real-world examples.
• For Further Consideration projects at the end of each lab allow students to synthesize concepts they have learned and apply these concepts to new problems.