INSTRUCTIONS FOR WRITTEN LABORATORY REPORTS

When scientists perform experiments they make observations, collect and analyze data, and formulate generalizations about the data. When you work in the laboratory, you should record all your data in a laboratory report. An analysis of data is easier if all data are recorded in an organized, logical manner. Tables and graphs are often used for this purpose. All of your lab reports will be recorded in your lab book. Follow the instructions below to prepare a written laboratory report.

1. The lab book will consist of a Cover Page, two pages for the Table of Contents (include title of lab, date, and lab grade), and the student’s Lab Reports.

2. The report must be written in the third person using complete sentences with correct grammar and spelling.3. Reports must be written in blue or black ink.4. Errors must be corrected by drawing a single line through the error. Do not erase errors and do not use

correction fluid on the reports.5. The pages are to be numbered on the top right-hand corner of each page.6. Pages are not to be removed from the lab book.7. The lab book will be a portfolio of your lab activities so take pride in producing a good document.8. Do not write anything but the pre-lab on the back of the pages.

Use the following format for writing up the lab reports:

**TITLE: Name of the lab is written on the top line of the first page of the lab.**Question or Hypothesis:

**BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Define Vocabulary found in textbook and/or pre-lab questions**OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE: “In this investigation, you will:”

**MATERIALS: List all laboratory equipment and other materials needed to perform the experiment.

**PROCEDURE: 1. Make a flow chart of procedures. If not from lab manual then, the

student may NEATLY “cut and-paste” the procedure into the lab book when available using tape or glue stick only.

2. Identify independent variable (s)3. Identify dependent variable(s)4. Identify Constants

**RESULTS: (Note: Draw data tables and graphs neatly and with straight lines.)1. Qualitative Data 2. **DATA TABLE(S) – clearly labeled and copied in Lab notebook BEFORE lab3. GRAPH(S) – include title; label each axis (x=independent variable; y=dependent variable)

On the right-hand side of the graph write a description (do not explain results) of the graph.Graphs should be done on computer and paste in notebook.

CALCULATIONS: Statistically analyze the results. All calculations must be shown and properly labeled with units.

SOURCE OF ERROR: Identify and explain any unexpected results.

ANALYSIS QUESTIONS: Answer questions in complete sentences so that the person reading your answer will know what the question was. There will be questions

embedded in lab. I may also give you some.

CONCLUSION: Explain the experimental results. Use lab results and scientific principles to answer initial question and to VERY IMPORTANT! TELL US WHAT YOU LEARNED!

**DUE On THE DAY OF LAB: Indicated parts of pre-Lab

Conclusion: