LAB REPORTS INTRODUCTION

WHAT IT IS? Written documentation of an experiment showing what happened and how. Allows scientists to not have to repeat an already either successful or unsuccessful experiment.

I. Title Catchy, yet informative. Able to explain to some degree what the experiment was about Make sure to have name and date

II. Introduction Topic sentence-catchy, informative Objective-what was the basis of the experiment Background information-why was this experiment done. What are some things you know about soil that could provide a basis for the reason of the experiment. What did you do, briefly. -HOW Hypothesis-what did you think was going to happen. WHY did you believe that.

III. Materials 1.) cup 2.) 3 types of soil: clay, fertilized potting soil, and peat moss 3.) cilantro seeds 4.) water

IV. Methods 1.) Fill cup with the particular soil 2.) put cilantro seed about ¼ and inch into the soil 3.) lightly water every 2-3 days 4.) record growth after 30 days

V. Data Fertilizer Soil Peat Moss Red Clay Yes No Percent success

VI. Results Explain what the data showed. Which was the most successful, which was the least. GRAPHS What were the percentages compared to each other.

VII. Discussion Explain the objective again How did the experiment happen What were the results and why do you think it occurred (hypothesis true or not) What are some reasons for error? How could the experiment been done differently, what other things could we test to get better or more results.