How to Write a Laboratory Report            

Heading

Upper left hand corner

Full Name

Date

Per

Title

Centered on top line

Descriptive

Problem

State the problem to be solved in the form of a question.

Pre-Lab Discussion

Answer all questions as full sentences.

Hypothesis

Write a sentence predicting the answer to the question you are investigating.

Materials

List all materials that you will be using.

Procedure

Make a flow chart of what you will do in the experiment.  Be sure to include details such as: how much to use; what substances to use; what to place them into; and for how long.

Data

Use tables with descriptive titles.  Clearly record column labels with units.

Analysis

A.  Make graphs when called for in the lab manual or as necessary to display data.  Each graph must have descriptive title and clearly labeled axes with units.

B.  Clearly show all steps of necessary calculations.

C.  Give written observations.

Questions

Number and answer all questions asked in the lab handout in sentence form.

Conclusion

A.  Make a statement of rejection or support of your hypothesis.  Base this statement on a logical argument supported y data.

B.  Describe changes in the methods used in the experiment or further analysis that might improve the experiment.

Evaluation

Discuss errors in the lab, things that were difficult to do and possible improvements to the procedure.