The Formal Lab Report



SBI 3UI

Rev. 07/14

Writing a Lab Report

For writing all reports, refer to the Lab Report Assessment Criteria (markscheme) for each section. This rubric (criteria) will be used for assessment. While performing an investigation, be sure to keep accurate and thorough records of all activities in order to complete the lab report afterwards. The following information details the sequence and expectations for writing a lab report.

1. Title Bar: Do not use a cover page! The top of your first page should include the following information:

□ The title of the investigation (see below)

□ Your name

□ Name of your partner(s)

□ Your teacher’s name

□ Course Code

□ Due date

Title: The title should be a concise version of the purpose (see below) of the experiment. Deciding on a title may be easier after completing the Design portion of the investigation.

E.g. “The Effect of Chemical Reactions on the Mass of Reactants and Products”

2. Purpose: State a focused purpose about the relationship you intend to investigate. This section is a longer version of your title and includes the relevant variables and measurements that will be used to determine the effect of changes of the independent variable on the dependent variable. This must be written in the form of a statement not as a question. Making this section brief may be easier after completing the rest of the Design portion of the investigation.

3. Hypothesis: Almost all experiments are done with certain expectations in mind about the outcomes based on the theory you have studied. The hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction about the results of an experiment or more specifically the effect on the dependent variable for each condition (independent variable) being tested. Include citations to support theoretical information. Use the following format or restructure into a paragraph if allowed:

E.g. “If…[changes in independent variable]…then …[effect on dependent variable]… because…

[You should support your hypothesis with background/theoretical information]

4. Variables: Identify the independent variable(s) and how it will be manipulated. State the dependent variable (which changes as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable) and briefly how it will be observed (i.e. measured).

E.g. To observe whether the same atoms are present before and after a chemical reaction, counting atoms is impractical/impossible, instead the mass (in grams) will be measured before and after each reaction.

Statements about controlled variables (conditions/factors held constant so as not to obscure the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable) must mention how they will be kept the same throughout the investigation.

E.g. “Since temperature can affect the rate of a chemical reaction, it will be measured during the reaction, using a thermometer.”

5. Materials: This section is a detailed bulleted list of all materials used, including sizes (e.g. 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask) and quantities (e.g. 10mL NaOH) where appropriate. Also be sure to include safety equipment (e.g. goggles) or explanation why safety equipment is not needed. A labeled diagram should only be used to show a complicated apparatus (to avoid explaining its setup).

6. Method/Procedure: This section is outlined using numbered steps to give instructions or describe exactly how the experiment was performed. This should include: explicit reference to how the control of variables is achieved, specific quantities of substances and appropriate equipment used. E.g.

1. All heart rates are measured and recorded for 20 seconds using the pulse at the carotid artery.

2. While each subject is sitting take and record their resting heart rate.

3. After each subject walks for 5 minutes at a moderate pace take and record their heart rate.

4. After each subject runs up/down a flight of stairs for 5 minutes take and record their heart rate.

State any steps that need to be repeated (i.e. if averages need to be calculated). Finally, include steps to indicate any safety precautions needed for the materials used. Do not include instructions to gather materials, create data tables, clean up etc.

7. Observations: This section records all observations made. Remember to include both quantitative data (e.g. numerical measurements of the variables) as well as qualitative (non-numerical) observations that enhance the interpretation of results (e.g. Changes in colour or other physical properties). Present your observations in tables or another form that is easily understood. Tables must have an appropriate title and number (e.g. Table 1….). Column headings for measurements must include units (they do not belong in the data). Be careful not to analyze the data or make inferences in this section (that’s Analysis!) – include only what you measured, saw, heard, smelled, etc. (“raw data”)

8. Analysis: In this section you will present analyzed observations or processed data. One sample calculation (e.g. averages/totals) for each type of calculation must be shown, including the general formula(s). The rest of the calculated values should be presented in a table. Properly titled summary tables (eg. Table 2…), graphs (eg. Figure 1…) etc., will also be presented in this section. Graphs need to have appropriate scales, labeled axes with units, and accurately plotted data points with a line or curve of best fit (not usually data-point to data-point connecting lines!). Check that electronic graphs printed in black and white have clearly distinguishable data points and lines. Questions to guide your analysis may be assigned and should be answered in this section.

9. Conclusion: Think back to your purpose and hypothesis, and then write the overall result of the investigation. Be sure to explain any discrepancies between your hypothesis and your results. Explain how you arrived at your conclusion by referring to trends or patterns in your data analysis. Also, be sure to refer to any scientific concepts or additional research to support or interpret your results. Include citations to support your conclusion(s).

10. Evaluation (Experimental Error): Discuss any parts of the experiment (equipment, materials or procedural steps) that reduced confidence in your results. This is experimental error. It does not include personal mistakes (missing a step, using wrong materials or ‘dirty test tubes!’). Focus on the ways that the investigation could not quite be controlled or experimental problems inherent to the procedure. The weakness/limitations are not truly evaluated unless you specify their effect on the results.

Suggestions for improvements should address the identified weaknesses and limitations. The modifications proposed should be realistic and clearly specified. It is not sufficient to state generally that better or more precise equipment should be used!

11. Reference: Use APA formatting.

Ellis, Clayton, Monique R. Muller, Helen Elna Panayiotou, Joan C. Sharp, Pauline Webb. 2011. Biologysource 11. Pearson. Toronto.

12. Format: The marks allotted for format are treated as a given and are only depleted as problems in organization/ sequence, spelling, grammar, use of personal pronouns, informal and/or awkward writing style arise. While some aspects of lab reports seem subjective or arbitrary, the scientific literature has developed conventions that are universally accepted (with some variations), so these conventions are expected in the writing of our reports (e.g. use of the third person, citations and references).

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