Lab+reports

**Evaluation: 20% of final mark (10% each)**
 * CCT470: Lab Reports (aka self-directed experimentation)**
 * Assigned: October 6th**
 * Due: Revised hard deadlines Lab #1 – Nov. 17th, Lab #2 Nov. 23rd ** //(original terms: On or Before November 17th – ideally hand one in in October and one in November. Students must submit one lab *before* November 17th ) //


 * Overview:** The Lab Reports are an important component of CCT470. Using any of the following:


 * //Visualize This:// Ch. 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8;
 * an exploratory exercise with a platform of your choosing

...as a starting point, conduct and document some rudimentary experimentation exploring a facet of visualization that interests you. Don't feel intimidated by R, find a graphing exercise that appeals to you and explore changing up the data, display, output or parameters – it is perfectly acceptable to work with an existing script/dataset from //Visualize This// as a starting point. Your submission should document your thought process and exploration – this exercise is not about producing slick graphics but exploring tools. If you want to discuss potential topics, consult the instructor or your peers. This work should be viewed as a (fun) opportunity to experiment – enjoy yourself.

Assignment Revision Oct. 22nd: As discussed in class this week I don't want you to shift your focus to these exercises at the expense of time that could be devoted to your final assignments. So, the labs do not //have// to deal with material covered in //Visualize This// – but please ensure you do work through all the readings from this key reference text. It is perfectly acceptable to do both of your lab reports as 'tests' related to your final project on a platform of your choosing (or noodling with related data of your choosing in R, as per one of Nathan's exercises).


 * Examples:** Some possible lab reports:
 * Playing around with/extending one of Nathan's exercises from //Visualize This//
 * Taking the tool you are presenting in the seminar 'for a test drive' and documenting those experiments
 * Using R to explore the data you'll be exploring in your final assignment (e.g. using one of Nathan's exercises as a starting point but mapping //your// data).


 * Constraints:**
 * Submissions must be at least the equivalent of two pages (500 words) of text and images.


 * Submission Guidelines:** This material will be public! Every student should post images, texts and code examples (probably in .zip archives added to the pages as files) it to their wiki 'lab workspace' – feel free to use the wiki as a workspace and just email me once you'd like me to inspect/evaluate the work.


 * Evaluation:** Each lab report is worth 10% of your final grade.