Objective Two: Record project data in a series of spreadsheets for data analyzation.
Evidence Overview: Before each sample was ground, an initial weight of the sample had to be recorded. For root samples, a regular scale (g) was used. I took the weight of the container the sample was in, and then the weight of the sample in the container together. To find the weight of the sample, I subtracted the weight of the bag from the weight of the bag and sample together. I first recorded the weights in an EPA lab notebook and then transferred the weights to excel spreadsheets located on the EPA shared database where my supervisors could locate them. Everything must be recorded so that the EPA has permanent records of all data. Once the initial weights were taken and the samples were ground, I then used the microbalance scale (mg) to pack the samples into foil for processing. These microbalance weights were also recorded in the EPA lab book.
I have provided pictures of some of the excel spreadsheets with the data and parts of the lab notebook my supervisor and I used to record project data. I learned that in doing a project, every little bit of data and information must be permanently recorded somewhere with the signature of the person who recorded the data. This is crucial for anyone in the future who wishes to go back into the data for a given project. Labeling and recording all data trains an individual to be diligent and double check results because even mistakes get recorded in the lab book. Organizational skills are useful in the laboratory, but they are also translated into many works of life and are a very useful skill set to have. For someone like myself who is impatient, learning how to take my time and ensure the quality of my work is a rewarding skill to gain.
Evidence 1: Provide methods write-up and excel spreadsheet with data.
