Laboratory reports are required any time a scientist (and science student) conducts a laboratory activity or does primary research (that is, where you get your own data without looking it up anywhere). Two types of primary research are possible in science: experimental and descriptive studies.
In an experiment, you formulate a hypothesis (i.e., an educated guess) about an observation you've made in nature. The hypothesis gives you a basis for testing your observation in a controlled manner. If it is a good hypothesis, the results will lead you to either accept or reject the hypothesis as stated.
In a descriptive study, you collect data but are not testing a hypothesis. For example, if you dissect a frog, you are collecting qualitative data on what you observed during the dissection. The qualitative data might consist of both written descriptions and diagrams.
In both types of laboratory activities, your formal lab report should follow the same basic format that follows.
Use the following headings in your lab report: Question, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedure, Observations, Results, Discussion, Conclusion.
You must write in the passive tense (i.e., the plant stem was cut longitudinally with a scalpel;not I cut the plant stem longitudinally with a scalpel).
You may use any size font you like on your title page.
You should use bold, italics and/or underlining to emphasize your headings.
Do not write your whole report in any emphatic style.
The body of your lab report should be typed in Times New Roman or a similar font.
The body of your lab report should be in size 11 or 12 font.
The body of your lab report should be single spaced (except headings).
Use spell check and grammar check, and proof read your work to ensure you have not made any spelling or grammatical errors.
You are responsible for saving your work and should be able to supply a copy upon request.
This page is separate from the body of your lab report and should include the following pieces.
Title of the experiment
Course name and course code
Your name
Date the experiment was performed
Your teacher's name (spelled correctly)
Identify the problem.
State the causal question (if applicable).
What do you predict will happen?
Do some background research.
Make an educated guess about what result you expect to produce from your experiment.
List all materials needed to perform your experiment.
List the step-by-step instructions required to perform your lab.
Be sure this is a numbered list.
Include the variables you tested (i.e., dependent, independent, control).
Do not state your results or provide an analysis of your experiment.
Link your observations to the relevant step of the procedure.
Describe only what you observed during the lab. For example, if you noticed the formation of a gas during a chemical experiment that couldn't be measured but may be important to your discussion of the lab, note it.
Simply record the experimental results you collected in tables and graphs (if applicable).
Do not analyse or discuss your results in this section.
If calculations were necessary, show your work here.
This will be the largest section of your lab report where you discuss the patterns and/or trends in your results and evaluate the experimental procedure.
Part 1: Provide a background summary of the science involved in the experiment. Write this summary as if it were for someone who is unfamiliar with the basic science and purpose of the lab.
Part 2: Provide a brief summary of the patterns or trends you see in your results. Include some quantitative data to support your evaluation of the results. Discuss whether or not your results support the hypothesis and if it is to be accepted or rejected.
Part 3: Include an error analysis (if possible). This does not include human error. Was there something in the procedure or materials that may have had an effect on your results? Can you modify the procedure and/or materials to obtain better results? If you cannot provide an answer to these questions, do not include this section in your lab report.
Provide a short statement of your results.
Look back at initial your initial question, and use your results to answer it if possible.
If your results lead to further questions, state them here.