Using the Scientific Method for Investigation
[Scientific Process Notes]
[Fall Semester]
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HOW TO WRITE A LAB REPORT
In many of the laboratory investigations that we will be doing, you will be asking a question and then performing experiments to find out the answer to your question. Laboratory reports for experimental investigations like these should be written in the format below, and contain the following parts:
- Title
This is the name of the laboratory investigation that you are doing.
- Observations / Research
Experiments are made as a result of problems or questions that arise while making observations and/or doing research. Some lab investigations in class will require you to make your own observations or do research on a topic, and come up with your own experiments. You will not necessarily have this section on your formal lab write up, however this is an important step for every investigation.
- Purpose / Problem
As a result of your observations, you will develop a purpose or problem that you would like to investigate. The purpose is often written as a statement; whereas, the problem is often written as a question.
- Hypothesis
Based upon your observations and research, write an �If�, then�� statement (prediction) of what you think the results from your experiment will be. In other words, write a hypothesis for your experiment. Make sure your hypothesis predicts the outcome for only one cause (independent variable) and effect (dependent variable relationship.
- Materials
List all materials that will be used in your experiment. This includes any measuring devices (rulers, balances, etc.) and protective equipment (apron, goggles, etc.) required.
- Procedure
This will include step by step instructions for your experiment. When you write the procedure, keep in mind that it has to be detailed enough for someone else to repeat the experiment while following your instructions. Discuss how you will set up your experimental group and control group. Be sure to clearly identify the independent (cause) and dependent (effect) variables and controls (constants) that must be measured. You must not only write out how to set up the experiment, but also what will be measured, how you will measure it, and how often these measurements will be made.
Tips to remember:
1. Do not use pronouns (I, we, she, he, etc.)
2. Write in the present tense
3. Do not include menial tasks like �turn on the hot plate� or
�plug in the microscope�
- Data
Organize your collected data in the form of drawings, data tables, charts, etc. Collected data could be include measurements, observations made during the experiment, and other things that will help in your analysis and conclusion. Be sure to include data from both the control group and experimental groups. Be sure to title and clearly label tables. This includes things like the name of the data collector, dates, times, physical changes, and any other measurable conditions present. Use measurable units vs. personal, subjective, or vague comments like it is �cute� or �ugly� or �tall�.
- Analysis
This is where you make calculations and organize your data into graphs. Summarize (in writing) the information your graph shows, focusing on relationships, patterns, trends, changes, etc. (For example, as the level of exercise increases, heart rate increases) or (the number of fish stayed the same until the temperature rose to 95 degrees F.) Discuss any errors that could have been made in the investigation (dirty beaker, data not detailed enough, etc) that might have made your experiment invalid. This section should also include answers for any discussion questions presented by your teacher.
- Conclusion
This part of the investigation explains what you have learned (make conclusions about what you observed). Explain whether your results support or reject your hypothesis by using specific examples from your analysis.
- OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Write in complete sentences at all times. When answering discussion questions, you must include the question in your answer.
Include a cover page with your formal lab write up.
Lab Title
Your name,
Teacher, period
Due Date
Put Group Names in lower right hand corner of cover page.
See The Mud Test for assistance.