Lab Write-up Procedures
1. Use complete sentences when answering questions. Make sure what you are writing makes sense.
2. Neatness counts. Organize your report by section (see format below). Label all sections and also
Label any data, charts, or drawings that you are asked to put in the write-up as well.
3. If something on your report is out of place, points will be deducted. If your report is a sloppy mess,
points will be deducted.
4. Be sure to turn in your report on the date it is due. Late labs will not be accepted.
5. DO NOT CHEAT!!! Some of your data will be the same as your partner’s, but your Problem,
Hypothesis, responses to Questions, and Conclusion should be your own work.
5. Your report should be organized as follows:
Title
(A title should be capitalized, underlined, and centered across the top of your paper. It should summarize in 3-7 words what is taking place in the lab. Don’t be too vague or too specific.)
Problem: A problem is what you are trying to determine. It should be written in question form.
Hypothesis: A hypothesis tells what you think your results will be. It should be written in if/then
form and must be completed prior to doing a laboratory experiment.
Procedure: The procedure is a step by step process. It allows anyone who reads your lab to recreate
the exact same experiment. In a real laboratory, the procedure would be written as each
step is performed. In classroom labs, the procedure is often times predetermined, which
allows you to write the steps down in advance. They should be word for word, not
summaries.
Data/Observations: The data & observations section should include any charts, tables, drawings,
data, etc. that were done during lab.
Calculations: The calculations show any analysis of data. Some labs will not have this section.
Questions: The questions section is hwere you include any questions that must be answered from
the lab handout. Questions should be rewritten along with the number. Answer
questions thoroughly!
Conclusion: In a conclusion you should discuss the meaning of the results obtained and any
problems encountered during the lab. This is your opportunity to convince me that you
understood what you were doing. Make it at least five sentence long (but should
probably be more).
Remember, your lab should be formatted like the layout above. Do not write in your margins. Ask if you have questions!