Writing a Lab Report

Part / Details to include / Points Possible / Points Earned
Title / Relates the independent and dependent variables being investigated
The title should be at the top of your first page and centered. It should have by and your name(s) listed below. / 5
Introduction / Describes the rationale, purpose and hypothesis for the investigation:
- Why did you conduct the experiment? (rationale)
- What did you hope to learn? (purpose)
-What did you think would happen? (hypothesis) / 10
Procedure / List materials and steps
OR
Describe in paragraph form
-Write for one level of the IV then add repetitions for repeated trials and levels of IV
-Name and include the units for the DV / 15
(Results)
presented in a
Data Table / -Labeled vertical columns for IV and DV and any derived quantities
-Order the levels of the IV (in this case it is by date)
-Record units/values for your measurements
-Include a title for your table / 15
(Analysis of Results)
Graph
and
Data Summary / Use Excel to create a graph of your data for your formal report.
Summarize the data trends on the graph using sentences. It is not necessary to tell every measurement.
In your journal, you should create a graph that has a title, appropriate scale for axes, labeled axes (including units), data pairs that are your (IV, DV), and a legend or key to explain color coding. / 20
Conclusion / Describe the purpose, major findings, and explanation for the findings and, and recommendations for further study. Include possible sources of error that may have affected your experiment.
Use these questions to guide your writing:
What was the purpose of the experiment?
What were the major findings?
Was the hypothesis supported by the data?
How did your findings compare with other researchers or text information?
What possible explanation can you offer for the findings? Include diagrams to facilitate your explanations.
What recommendations do you have for further study and for improving the experiment? / 20
Grammar
Presentation / Type your final report using a 12 point normal font and black ink. Graphs may have color.
Use complete sentences.
Pay attention to details- like correct spelling and neatness.
Do not use “I” or “we” (1st person).
Use a single staple in the top left corner to hold the pages together unless told otherwise by your teacher.
It is ok to use headings for the parts of your report.
Include a bibliography of any references that you used. / 15

Adapted from:

Cothron, Julia H., Ronald N. Giese, and Richard J. Giese. Students and Research. 3rd ed. Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 2000.