When a scientist goes into the lab to work, he has done some preparation before hand to get acquainted with the theory, the procedures, expected results, and the data analysis techniques. For this we will use the laboratory guide, the textbook from the lecture portion of the course, and the library. Because we are, after all, doing experiments, there should be time to actually experiment. There must be some time for trial and error to get things right. This is where you develop your technique and observational skills.
Experimental science is a collaborative activity.
And this collaboration includes not only doing the experiment but reporting it in both written and oral form. Although scientists all write papers for publication, it is through oral presentation at meetings and workshops that the important idea exchange happens. In short, we are using Physics as a case study in science. Most of you are not Physics majors, but all of you are pursuing a degree in a scientific field. By learning to apply this general approach to Physics, you gain experience in doing science the way it really gets done.