LAB REPORT FORMAT

SCIENCE 8

Bloomfield Hills Middle School

MR. BROOKS

 

TITLE PAGE- Should include an original title for the lab report centered in the middle of the paper.  In the lower right hand corner should be your name, date, and class period.

 

PROBLEM- The object of the laboratory experiment should be listed as a singular question.

 

PROCEDURE- A short summary of the steps involved with the experiment should be listed.  This can be done in paragraph form or as a set of numerical steps (1,2,3 ect.).

 

DATA-This section should include written descriptions of all observations made during the lab, both qualitative and quantitative.  Quantitative data should have both numbers and units.  Both measured and derived data should be included, if they are part of the experiment.  Tables must be outlined with a straight edge, named, and numbered.  Graphs should include measurement units and type of measurement on both axis, as well as have a title.  All graphs must be done on graph paper or done on a computer.

 

CALCULATIONS- This section should show all of the mathematics involved in changing all measured data into derived data. Include all units of measurement.  In summary, show the mathematical operation, give the answer, and organize the two together.  UNDERSTAND THAT SOME LABS DO NOT HAVE CALCULATIONS.

 

Ex-     Density =  mass /volume     20 grams / 20 mL = 1.0 grams / mL

 

CONCLUSION- This section should answer the question, which was posed during the problem section of your report. You must also give evidence for arriving at the conclusion, which you state.  Your data should be a major source of information for your conclusion. However it is also acceptable to use other sources (such as your text book, internet, ect.) if the need be.  If you feel that your data is incorrect, then list possible reasons for your faulty results (don’t blame your lab partner even though it is probably his/her fault J).  Sometimes there are very legitimate reasons for an experiment to not go as you might have expected.

 

DISCUSSION- Some lab handouts and book experiments will include a set of questions at the end.  This is ALWAYS included as part of the lab report unless other wise stated by the instructor.

 

ALL REPORTS SHOULD BE EITHER WRITTEN IN PEN, TYPE WRITTEN OR DONE ON A WORD PROCESSOR.