Lab Report Guidelines

Lab Report Guidelines:

1. Include each of the following sections (the bullet points below) in order in your lab report, unless otherwise noted. Each lab may have its own unique variations on this procedure. I will discuss these variations with each lab. Clearly label the headings for each section.

2. Labs are to be neat and presentable. This includes typing the report. Also, if data tables, calculations, or graphs are sloppy, they are to be copied onto a neat piece of paper. I encourage you to use a spreadsheet for data tables, calculations, and graphs as much as possible.

3. Each member of a lab group will hand in an individual lab report. The data tables, calculations, and graphs may be done as a group, but all other components must be individual work. Understand that even though parts may be done as a group, each member is responsible for understanding those parts.

Full Lab Report Sections:

 Name of Lab  Names of Group Members – Yours at the top of the list.  Period #  Date  Purpose – This section is for explaining what the lab is intended to test, answer, or accomplish.  Hypothesis – This section is for predicting what will occur.  Procedure – This section is for explaining how you conducted your experiment so it can be verified.  Results – This section is for presenting the data you collected. Organize it neatly and logically into a data table with appropriate units.

 Analysis – This section is for interpreting the data to see what it means. Include the following: a. Example Calculations – One example for each type of calculation b. Graphs or Diagrams – With labels and units on each axis c. Answers to questions – As provided by teacher  2-3 Sources of Error – This section is for reporting what caused error in collecting data, that is, uncontrollable error, not mistakes or faulty calculations.

 Conclusion – This section is for explaining what the results of your experiment mean. What can you conclude from your testing? Inquiry Lab Report Sections:

 Name of Lab  Names of Group Members  Purpose – What problem is the lab intended to solve?  Hypothesis – What do you think will be the outcome of your testing?  Procedure – How did you go about testing your hypothesis?  Results – What data did you collect?

 Analysis – What calculations, graphs, or analysis did you make with your data?  2-3 Sources of Error – What could have affected the accuracy of your measurements?  Conclusion – What do you conclude from your testing?