Lab report format
- 2. General Information Type out lab report using word processing software (preferably Microsoft Word) Double space and use Size 12 font using Arial or Times New Roman Label all sections of Lab Report Please rename your file with your last name and submit via turnitin.com Must be written in third person format (No personal pronouns)
- 3. Title Title should be written at the top of the first page. The title should include both the independent and dependent variables. Capitalize the first letter of each word used. EX: The Name Of This Lab Is Grey Water When using scientific names should be italicized and only the first letter of the first word should be capitalized.
- 4. Purpose At least two complete sentences explaining what you are trying to investigate from the experiment. Be specific as to what method will be used to perform the experiment and collect data.
- 5. Background Written in paragraph/essay format Requires you to do research on the topic you are investigating along with the chemicals, equipment, and lab techniques being used.
- 6. Hypothesis An educated guess made after the background research has been conducted. Written in “If……then…...” format. Include all variables in this section: 1. Independent Variable (IV)/Experimental Group 2. Dependent Variable (DV) 3. Constant Variables (CV) or Control Group
- 7. Materials List all the materials needed to set up the experiment Include the total amount of materials needed along with the units EX: Item Quantity Dasani Water Bottles-20 oz. 5 each Wick 5 each Cherry Tomato Seeds 25 each
- 8. Method Provide clear step-by-step instructions on how to set up the experiment. The instructions should be specific and explain how each material is used. Pictures/diagrams should be used to show the set up of the end product or if the set up is complicated. Each step should be numbered EX: 1. Gather all materials 2. Remove labels from Dasani water bottles
- 9. Data All data should be organized into tables and made before the lab. A complete title must be present on the top of each table that is specific to the relationship displayed along with completely labeled variables and units. Any calculations made should be organized and placed in this section. Box all final answers Include graphs in this section
- 10. Analysis All questions pertaining to the lab should be included in this section. Additional questions will be assigned for each lab that includes analysis of the methods used, precision and accuracy of your data, sources of error and they may be affecting your final answers, and application of your findings to other situations. Use complete sentences with no personal pronouns
- 11. Conclusion Explain whether or not your hypothesis was correct or incorrect. Use the data collected to support your reasoning. Explain how the independent variable affected the dependent variable. Use complete sentences Do not use personal pronouns
- 12. Future Research Include at least one of the following: 1. Propose how the data you collected could be used to do further research. 2. Propose how the experiment conducted could be taken a step further to explore other possibilities. 3. Propose how the experiment could be modified to collect more accurate data in the future. You are not limited to these options and are encouraged to think of other possibilities on your own.
- 13. References List Alphabetically by the last name of the author. Use MLA format Must have at least a minimum of five references. Must use at least two different types of resources (books, journals, websites, magazines, etc.)