Lab+Notebook+Format

=Lab Report Format:= Most of the labs done in this class are short, 42 minute sessions. These are used for a variety of reasons. The main objectives are to achieve a certain level of comfort in the laboratory and to study and enrich concepts we have spent time on in class. All reports will remain in your lab book written in ink without erasing or white-out. These are some typical headings commonly used by instructors in college labs as a method of reporting results. Use what is applicable for the particular lab you are completing.

Title: Date:
Any creative title will work. Date the lab is performed.

Lab Partner(s):
Who did you work with during the experiment

Question:
State the purpose of the lab in the form of a question. The lab will be used to answer this question. Be sure to expand the objectives if there seems to be more than one theory or technique you will be learning or studying.

Research/Background Information:
This should include any specific concepts or pertinent information necessary to do the lab effectively. Specific references should be cited. Background information is essential so as to understand all scientific concepts being investigated and any dangers you should be aware of from equipment or chemicals.

Procedure/Methods:
This is a short summary of important steps. It should not be word for word from the handout, but it should be repeatable. You must include at least 3 diagrams/illustrations. Be sure to include a table of materials and reagents. Use specific measurements if stated. Don’t forget to include safety and disposal directions where necessary. Highlight any changes you make as you perform the investigation.

Prediction:
What do you think is going to happen and why do you think that? You should have predictions for each step in the procedure where something may occur. Use the “If… then…because” if appropriate. Make sure to include ALL possible outcomes whether it is your primary prediction or not. (This always comes BEFORE your data table.)

Data:
Always have your data table drawn up before you enter the laboratory area. This makes for easier recording, a neater report, and organizes the data for the best possible analysis. Don’t forget to include observations in this section as well. The table should be lined, labeled with all units and large enough for easy readablity. (DO NOT USE SCRATCH PAPER!)

Calculations:
For each calculation performed, give the formula rearranged to yield the desired variable followed by a substitution step. Be sure to include all steps with all numbers labeled with units. If necessary, explain each step of the process used to obtain your final results. Be sure these “tell a story” as to where you pulled each number from and why. Only one sample calculation for each type of calculation performed is necessary.

Analysis:
This section will include graphs, if applicable, and possible sources of error, both experimental and experimentor. With each possible source, you should also explain how these errors will quantitatively affect your results. Avoid using the phrase, “could have…” You should know if it did or did not happen. Compare your results to accepted values where possible. These can be obtained from a reference text or your mathematical prowess. What can you do to improve your results next time? Graphs must have title, units, and straight edges. Make them as large as possible!

Conclusion/Discussion/Summary:
Do you agree or disagree with your prediction? What evidence supports your conclusions? All questions included on the handout should be incorporated here in paragraph form. Questions are intended to help guide you through writing a well organized discussion of the concepts we learned and what possibly was seen. What other additional questions or problems has this lab led you to ask? Use the vocabulary that fits the lab content. Show your understanding of the lab and the skills studied. What are possible real life applications of this situation? This is a discussion that lets the reader see exactly what you know and understand!!

Word document format if you want to print/paste in your notebook: