How to write a Lab Report Heading Title

How to write a Lab Report

Heading • Title • Date/Lab # Mineral Identification 9 -21 -15 Lab #1

Introduction (10 pts. ) • Background information • Purpose • 2 or more paragraphs • Scientific question • Independent/dependent variables and controls Mineral Identification 9 -21 -15 Lab #1 Introduction: For this lab… The purpose of this lab was… The scientific question we were trying to answer was… The independent variable was the…. , and the dependent variable was the…

Hypothesis (5 pts. ) • Testable If…Then Statement • Do NOT use “first person”. Write hypothesis in past tense. Mineral Identification 9 -21 -15 Lab #1 Introduction: For this lab… The purpose of this lab was… The scientific question we were trying to answer was… The independent variable was the…. , and the dependent variable was the… Hypothesis: If the minerals are tested by their physical properties, then the minerals can be identified.

Materials (2. 5 pts. ) • Sentence form • Name all materials including specific amounts if measured. Materials: The materials used include…

Methods (2. 5 pts. ) • Numbered Steps • Logical and thorough enough to be repeated without question or confusion. Materials: The materials used include… Methods: 1. 2. 3. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

Results (15 pts. ) • Results should include a chart, table, graph, diagram, and/or photograph to show data. Include a title on chosen form. Materials: The materials used include… Methods: 1. 2. 3. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Results: Mineral Identification

If using a graph • Labeled • Represent Data • Use a Ruler

Questions • Write out and underline lab question and then answer the question. • Skip 1 line between questions. • Answer in complete sentences. Questions 1. What did you enjoy most about this lab? I enjoyed… 2. Explain what was difficult to figure out. The part of the lab that was most difficult to figure out was… 3. What did you learn about minerals from this lab? 4. Why were some minerals harder to identify than others?

Discussion/Conclusion and Error Analysis (15 pts. ) • Conclusion must contain supporting data. • Explain all observations and results. • Analyze and interpret why these results were obtained. • Restate hypothesis and state if correct or incorrect and discuss possible explanations if not correct. • Explain any possible sources for experimental error. Discussion/Conclusion & Error Analysis The data shows that sample 1 is…. , sample 2 is…. , sample 3 is…. etc. I was able to identify these samples because… My hypothesis was that if the minerals were tested by their physical properties, then they could be identified. My data did/did not support my hypothesis. Error could be caused by…

Overall Neatness • Readable • Spacing is appropriate Written in Order: 1. Heading 2. Introduction 3. Hypothesis 4. Materials 5. Methods 6. Results 7. Discussion/Conclusion and Error Analysis