Tips on Writing a Lab Report

1. Please refer to the “Lab Report Reference Sheet” to help you as well. Tips on Writing a Lab Report

2. Title • Highlights the main purpose of the investigation. • All main words are Capitalized • Is at the top of the page

3. Research Question • The purpose of the investigation • Written in the form of a question • Question should be answered by performing the lab

4. Background Information • Information that may be helpful to the investigation • Formulas to be used later in the experiment may be written and explained here. • Data from previous studies/experiments may be highlighted here

5. Hypothesis • Written in “If, Then, Because” format. • Is an educated guess as to what the outcome might be. • It is okay if your guess is incorrect.

6. Materials • Write all items used in the experiment in this section • List items in columns

7. Procedure • Format in numbered bullets • No pronouns allowed • Directions are precise and concise • Directions are in order • Includes set up and clean up

8. Data / Observations • Data is organized in labeled charts • Captions are used to help identify the type of data collected • Observations are written clearly • Observations use the appropriate senses

9. Data Analysis • Explains the data in words • Displays the data in graphic form • Highlights the patterns and trends in the data

10. Conclusion • Tell what the data may suggest • Uses evidence to explain possible reasons for the final outcomes • Answers the research question • Validates or refutes the hypothesis • Addresses the errors • Summarizes the findings