Guidelines for Writing Lab Reports

(Each section needs to be labeled and visibly obvious.)

            Title:  An appropriate title which highlights what the lab is about.

            Background:  This section includes information from the introduction on the lab handout and/or text and class notes. 

            Purpose/Problem/Objective:  The problem being investigated phrased as a question which does not lead to a yes/no answer.

             Hypothesis:  A prediction of the outcome of the investigation   This   should incorporate what is being manipulated, what the outcome will be and why.   One         way to do this is an “if…then, because” statement.  This should be stated in third person.  Variables should be identified here.             

            Hint:  The Independent variable is the one “I” change and the Dependent  Variable is the one that responds to the change.

            Materials:  A list of all of the materials in column form.  Materials must be quantified in metric units and described.  (Include how many, how  much and what kind.)

            Procedure:  In your own words; a numbered list of steps in the appropriate order.  (Metric measurements need must be included in all quantities used.)   This should not be in first person.

            Data/Observations:  Includes data collected in the form of tables, charts, graphs and illustrations.  A separate section for calculations is included here if necessary.

            Analysis:  This is where you verbally analyze the quantifiable results if  necessary.  This section is included when numerical data is collected.

            Conclusion:  This section is where you will summarize your results, and refer back to your hypothesis.  You need to state whether it was upheld (correct) or not, giving reasons for your conclusions.  If your hypothesis was not upheld, you need to be able to explain any errors that may have contributed to this.  You may also include any personal reflections about this investigation in this section.

            Questions:  Many labs will have questions to be answered at the end.  \These are to be answered here.