A complete lab report includes the following:

Laboratory Report Format

Scientist must use a consistent and logical format to record and report their findings. This process is done by means of a laboratory report which uses the following outline:

Title: Centered at top of EVERY page. Your title must clearly and accurately reflect the major emphasis of your paper and prepare readers for the information you present.

Introduction: This section is to be written as a paragraph in prose.

bullet Clearly state the focused problem or specific research question.
bullet Provide and all relevant background information with regard to problem or question.
bullet The introduction must identify the relevant independent, dependent and all controlled variables. All relevant variables are to be mentioned, even if they are not to be specifically investigated.

Hypothesis: This section of your lab report is only included when it is relevant to state a hypothesis.

bullet The formulation for a hypothesis must be in one sentence “If independent variable is done, then the dependent variable will occur.”
bullet Identify your independent variable, dependent variable, control, and constants here.

Rationale for Hypothesis:

bullet You must give the reason for the proposed relationship between the variables.

Materials:

bullet List in one or two columns ALL materials used.
bullet Be specific on materials used including sizes; amounts and measurements must use the metric system or SI as directed by the instructor.
bullet Degree of uncertainty must be included for instruments used.

Methods:

·         State all necessary safety precautions first.

·         Design a realistic and appropriate method to collect sufficient relevant data.

bullet Variables must be effectively controlled.
bullet Other experimenters should be able to repeat the experiment and get the same results.
bullet Methods must be in past tense and prose form or as directed by your instructor.

·         Clearly state the experimental set-up and measurement techniques you USED including annotated diagrams.

·         Include at least one colored, labeled drawing of how the equipment was put together and used. Drawings must have their own title and be labeled figure 1, figure 2 and so on. Drawings must be a minimum of 12 cm by 12 cm.

Data Collection: This section is an accurate record of all relevant raw data observed.

·         Data collection involves quantitative AND/OR qualitative RAW data, such as a column of results, written observations or a drawing of a specimen.

·         Each data table must have its own title relevant to the data expressed.

·         All data must be in metric units or SI as directed by the instructor.

·         Every number must have units and level of uncertainty (can be included in the header of the column).

·         This section should only have factual information NOT opinion or inference.

Data Processing and Presentation:

·         Data is presented so that the final result can be clearly followed for evaluation.

·         Where appropriate error analysis and uncertainties are to be taken into account.

·         This section may include statistical calculations such as producing percentages, converting drawings into diagrams, tabulated data into a graphical form, annotated and labeled drawing.

·         Correctly presented data takes into account:

o    Quality (neatness and format)

o    Correct choice of presentation (graphs, tables, flow diagrams)

o    Proper use of scientific conventions (metric system and uncertainty)

o    Formulas and calculations to justify the processed data

o    Unambiguous titles for drawings, tables and graph

o    Graphs must be 12 cm by 12 cm

o    All diagrams must be labeled and annotated

Conclusion and Evaluation:

·         Evaluation of results should be in prose.

·         State and justify a conclusion based on a reasonable interpretation of the data.

·         Compare your data with published results when relevant.

·         Clearly state how your results do or do not support your hypothesis. (DON’T say the results were right or wrong or that you “proved” anything!!!!!)

·         Evaluate your entire lab for limitations, weaknesses and errors. Although sloppy technique or human error is a source of error, it is NOT AN ACCEPTABLE source of error.

·         Provide suggestions on realistic improvements to the lab.

Works Cited: All of the published books, papers, reports, etc. must be cited at the end of the lab report. You must use MLA style for all references.