Lab report format
- 1. LAB REPORT FORMAT Lab reports should contain six parts (Problem, Background, Data, Analysis, Conclusion, References) plus a title section. The purpose of a lab report is to explain to others your science investigations and results. It is an important part of science. ALL DATA, NOTES, AND OBSERVATIONS STILL GO INTO THE LAB BOOK. TITLE: Your name, class period, date you began the lab, PARTNERS & lab title. PROBLEM: In One or two sentences explain the reason for the lab. Is it an observation, testing hypothesis, an engineering test, or something else? If testing a hypothesis, then state the hypothesis. Do not use the word ‘hypothesis’. BACKGROUND: You should write this after you do the data and analysis. Define the biology involved State the specific topic Do not use unnecessary phrases like, ‘in this lab’, or ‘we will investigate’, or ’biology defines as…’ Define and explain vocab and content that is necessary for understanding and conducting the lab How does the biology relate to what is being examined. Hypothesis (or topic of investigation) State specifically the hypothesis or topic of investigation and how it relates to the biology discussed. DATA: All data are placed in tables, Neat, with Titles, units PROVIDE GRAPHS (IF NEEDED). Each Graph is on a SEPARATE piece of GRAPH PAPER. ANALYSIS: Use the biology background and data to analyze your data. In a real lab you would be trying to prove (or disprove your hypothesis). PROVIDE EXAMPLES from the tables and graphs. This is where errors would be, including how they impacted the lab. DO NOT make errors the focus of the analysis CONCLUSION: What were the results (numerical)? Refer to data elsewhere in the lab. What do the results mean? In terms of the hypothesis? In terms of possible error? What are the implications? REFERENCES: List references using a standard format Author, title, publisher, page(s) Instructor, Course, Lecture title, date Instructor, Course, Document title, date