ChemistryLab Report Format

Lab workincludes pre-lab, lab data, post-lab questions, and summary paragraphs.

All labs require the following to be written in Section 2 of your notebook.

Pre-lab(to be donethe day before lab; if not completed, you will not do the lab):

  • Title
  • Purpose (statement of why we are doing the lab or scientific question, in complete sentences - sometimes you need to think hard about it)
  • Identify variables (independent, dependent)
  • Materials - list the chemicals and equipment used
  • Procedure - list the steps in complete sentences
  • Identify at least two safety rules that apply to this lab
  • Make all necessary data tables – neat and readable

Experiment (on the day of the lab):

  • Draw the apparatus
  • Record observations/data (both qualitative and quantitative)
  • Make calculations to ensure all needed data has been collected

Post-lab Questions and Summary (homework):

  • Post lab questions should be discussed in your lab group and notes made in your notebook.
  • Finish post-lab questions or revise them as homework, using the many resources available: textbook, other chemistry books and internet.
  • Use the vocabulary words that apply to this lab.
  • Summary: 1-2claims that are supported by evidence and are based on reasoning (CERC).

Informal Lab write ups (handwritten in notebook) include only the above.

Formal Lab Reports(two per quarter)must be typed (12 pt font). They mustinclude:

  1. First and last names of all lab group members, date and period
  2. Title of lab (must be descriptive of lab)
  3. Purpose (statement or scientific question) (complete sentences that describe the purpose of lab)
  4. Identification of variables (dependent, independent)
  5. Procedure and materials (where anyone can perform the experiment) with at least two safety rules that apply to the lab
  6. Drawing of the apparatus (in ink, clearly labeled and shows how the apparatus is used, not just drawings of pieces of apparatus)
  7. Data tables, graphs and calculations (i.e. equations for calibration curves)
  8. Pre-lab and post-lab questions and answers(complete sentences that include the question;usescientific terms (vocabulary words); verify the correctness of the answers using other resources such as your textbook or internet)
  9. A summary that includes 3-5 claims that are supported by evidence and are based on reasoning (CERC) (see Formal Lab Report Rubric):
  1. State each claim. Follow each claim with experimental evidence (observations, data, graphs and calculations). Use examples.
  2. Compare your evidencefor each claim with evidence from other groups.
  3. Link each claim with the evidence using reasoning. Cite your source(s) for reasons!
  4. What are the unavoidablesources of errors? If a measurement mistake is made, you are responsible for remaking the measurement, making it an avoidable error that should not be included.
  5. Use scientific vocabulary. Include vocabulary words that apply to this lab.

You must write the post-lab answers andSUMMARY in your own words, or it will be considered plagiarism and you will receive a zero SCORE for the lab.