Formal Laboratory Report
Overview: Collect and analyze data in a formal classroom laboratory practical; present findings in a formal report.
Process: NOTE: No proposal is required for assigned lab reports unless it is a lab as designed by a student. Step 1: Prepare the pre-lab as assigned by your teacher including a hypothesis and/or objectives, materials, procedures and data collection tables (if applicable). Attend class and read the procedure. Step 2: Bring the pre-lab to class on the first day of the lab-practical and collect all necessary data (observations, results). Use only authentic data collected and be as specific as possible. Step 3: Use the lab report template on the following page to set-up the formal lab report. Include all pre-lab materials, data and/or observations with tables, a conclusion and an abstract. Step 4: Follow all directions on the lab report template and proof-read before submitting. Step 5: Submit your formal lab report in a type-written format. Deliverables: Cover page, Approved Proposal (if applicable), Formal laboratory report typed using the report template, References page giving a correct APA bibliographic citation. Fee: $varies Other helpful suggestions: Do not write the laboratory report as you would an English paper. It should not be written in an essay format. The report should be separated into different sections as described in the template. Headings may precede different sections of the report. Be sure to maintain all lab data and notes until your project/report received credit/is paid. Be very specific in recording observations and include as many details as possible. For liquids, record opacity – clear or cloudy and color. Record when any chemical reaction/s occur/s – color change/odor, temperature change, sound, change in phase (formation of gas or precipitation, solid formation in liquid) or whether or not the reaction is irreversible. Sample Lab Report Template
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Abstract: (Advanced for Extra Credit): Describe the entire experiment (Summary of Whole Event); what the purpose is, what the results were and what was concluded. (2-3 sentences or a short paragraph) Complete this LAST for extra credit in regular Biology classes.
Problem: The question you are trying to answer.
Hypothesis: Something you think you will try to answer during the investigation; often described as and “If,… then” statement.
(Write in present tense - what do you think will happen and why? What is the significance of this occurence?)
Materials: (List of everything used, may cite location of list and be sure to include chemicals.)
1.
2.
Results: (Describe every observation made with each step. Use scientific terms and be specific. Include tables, all calculations and any deviations from the procedural changes made or reasoning for unexpected results should be included. Drawings are helpful.)
Qualitative data in words or drawings including numbers and measurements; generally involves formulas, calculations, tables and graphs.
Conclusion:
Problem: The question you are trying to answer.
Hypothesis: Something you think you will try to answer during the investigation; often described as and “If,… then” statement.
(Write in present tense - what do you think will happen and why? What is the significance of this occurence?)
Materials: (List of everything used, may cite location of list and be sure to include chemicals.)
- ?
- ?
1.
2.
Results: (Describe every observation made with each step. Use scientific terms and be specific. Include tables, all calculations and any deviations from the procedural changes made or reasoning for unexpected results should be included. Drawings are helpful.)
Qualitative data in words or drawings including numbers and measurements; generally involves formulas, calculations, tables and graphs.
Conclusion:
- Re-state purpose
- Re-state hypothesis and discuss whether or not it was supported or disproven
- Discuss key data recorded briefly.
- Explain what was learned by observations and calculations.
- What deductions can you make? What commonalities are observed, if any?
- Do NOT include results not mentioned previously.
- How would you change or improve the lab next time?
- Discuss percent yield if possible.
- Discuss unavoidable errors.
- What you learned or concluded, justification for conclusions, and an explanation of results.What you learned, errors, justification for conclusions, explanation of results.