Writing a Lab Report 1 Major Parts of

Writing a Lab Report 1

Major Parts of a Lab Report . Title (Written on cover with your name) � 2. Question/problem � 3. Hypothesis � 4. List of Materials � 5. Procedure � 6. Data Including: -Observations -Inferences � 7. Data Chart � 8. Conclusion Questions � 1 2

Problem/Question �Describe what you are going to test or experiment. �Should always be in the form of a TESTABLE question. �Who, What, Where, When, How 3

Hypothesis �Explain your ideas about the experiment. �Describe your best guess about the results of the experiment �Written as an IF…THEN… statement �(Example…If I give plants fertilizer, then they will grow taller. ) 4

Procedure �Describe step by step “what to do” �Can be written in list form �Must be DETAILED not simple steps. �Someone should be able to follow your procedure to conduct the same experiment 5

Observations �Included in the Data section of your report. �Describe any other information using your senses �Describe any changes during the experiment. �Describe the result of the experiment 6

Inferences �Explain each major observation. �Describe why the changes in your experiment happened. 7

Data Chart / Graph Organize your observations and measurements in a clear chart or graph Time (s) Position (m) 0 1 2 0 6 12 3 4 18 24 8

Conclusion Questions �Write each question before you describe your answer. �Use your inferences to explain your answers �Diagrams may be necessary to show your answer. 9

Summary �Lab reports represent 30% of your quarterly grade �You must include all sections of the report �Labs must be TYPED or Prepared as a Booklet �Labs written in short paragraph form will BE GRADED AS INCOMPLETE. �Hand written labs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED unless in booklet form, written neatly, and signed by a parent 10