Scientist must use a consistent and logical format to record and report their findings. This process is done by means of a laboratory report which uses the following outline:

The Title

Be sure that your title is accurate and reflects the major emphasis of your paper and prepare readers for the information you present.

The Title needs to be placed on Top of each page of the lab.

Diagram:

1. On the first clean page –{ Left page }– at the Beginning of the Lab
   This should include at least one colored, labeled drawing
   of how the equipment was put together and used.
2. Label lines should be drawn with a ruler or some other straight edge
   Horizontal, vertical or a union of the two connected at right angles.
   Labels are printed
   

Introduction:

1. Background information placing the work in context;
   
2. The problem and/or theory being considered;
   
3. Short explanation of what will be done and the main findings (results) expected;
   
4. The main outcome of experiment relating it to the consequence of the work (what does the results mean).
   
5. Include any necessary definitions, techniques, formulas, reactions and references (author, year).
   
6. Your instructor cannot be a reference

Null Hypothesis (HO)

Your null hypotheses is to discredit what are looking for. Remember, Labs are done inorder to disprove that which is currently believed. Therefore, we write the null hypothesis as an "if - then" statement <If independent variable ... then we WILL NOT GET the Dependent variable ..... Because _______?________>

Alternative Hypothesis (HA):

Your hypotheses are to be stated as an "if - then" statement <If independent variable ... then Dependent variable ... Because _______?_______>

Materials:

List in a column (i.e. 1, 2, 3) of all materials used. Be specific include sizes, amounts in SI measurements only and degree of precision

Methods:

• Give all necessary safety precautions including symbol(s) first.
• Then in complete sentences in paragraph form describe what you did to perform the experiment.
• Other experimenters should be able to repeat the experiment using this section.
• Other drawings within the lab must have their own title and be labeled figure 1, figure 2 and so on. Drawings must be a minimum of 12 cm by 12 cm.

Data/Results:

This is where all raw data is recorded.
All data is to be recorded in the form of tables.
Each table must have its own title relevant to the data expressed.
All data must be in metric units. Every number must have units.
This section should only have factual information.

Analysis:

1. Summarize any data trends.
   
2. Use of any mathematical models needs to be identified with work shown justifying your conclusion.
   
3. Graphs must be 12 cm by 12 cm. or larger.

Discussion/Conclusion:

1. Address your hypothesis as “I reject” or “I fail to reject”.
   
2. Interpret your lab results and support the interpretation with data.
   Check to see if your results support or refute your hypothesis and state this in complete and clear sentences.
   
3. List the possible sources for error.
   Although sloppy technique is a source of error, it is NOT AN ACCEPTABLE source of error.
   
4. Bibliography: Use APA format only.
   Example to follow:

References:

Example from the internet:

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (2000). Title of article. Title of Periodical, xx, xxxxxx. Retrieved month day, year, from source.

Example from a primary source:

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (2000). Title of Book. (pp. XX-XX). City, State Published: Name of Publisher

Secondary sources may be used as long as it accopmanies a primary source!

Some Technical aspects of the lab report:

• Record title of lab and page number the lab BEGINS on in Table of Contents in the front of your lab book
• You are to have a 1.5 mm (3 blocks) margin on ALL sides of the lab report
• You may NOT use white out or any other form there of. Draw ONE line through any error and write the corrected information ledgeably following the error. The use of any correction fluid or improper corrections of an error results in a deduction of 10 points for EACH occurrence. Identifies cover up of what could be significant data or information.
• Labs must be done in pen, blue or black ink. Drawings are done in pencil, colored and labeled.
• You must have a page number in the bottom outside corner of each page.
You may not remove ANY page of your lab book for any reason. Loss of a page results in a deduction of 10 points for EACH occurrence and shortens the durability and longevity of your work.

©Steven W. Hoffner 2006 "All Rights Reserved"
August 3, 2007