How to Write a Lab Report Chemistry Mr. Pickin

General notes Should be typed, Write title at top of first page If hand written, must be legible and in ink or pencil Use rubric Use Roman numerals for sections

This will include the question or problem which needs to be solved. I. Purpose/Question This will include the question or problem which needs to be solved. Ex. How does music affect plant growth?

II. Background/Research This section will include research on the topic you are studying. Before you perform an experiment you must know something about the topic. This should be in paragraph form. It does not necessarily require you to use reference materials, but can be prior knowledge. (What do I already know about the topic). Sources should be cited. Ex: Research how plants grow.

III. Hypothesis Must be testable Must be a statement, never a question Must only include one manipulated variable (independent variable). No first person pronouns!! (I, we, you etc) Ex: Plants exposed to music will grow taller. (music is the independent variable, height is dependent)

IV. Materials and Equipment Must be in numbered list form 1. 2. 3. etc. Include everything used in experiment Use correct name for equipment, i.e. pan balance

V. Procedure Numbered list form Do not use personal pronouns Do not use terms: first, next, then etc. Must be replicable! Be detailed If making measurements, always write “record data”

VI. Data/Results This is where you present your data, just the facts May include data tables, graphs etc. All measurable results are recorded here Neatness, use labels Drawing/diagrams where appropriate

VII. Data Analysis Calculations (all steps) This is where you interpret your data Paragraph form Cite results from step VI This is very important since this is the evidence you will use to support your hypothesis

VIII. Conclusion Always refer to your hypothesis! Did you verify the hypothesis? How? Paragraph form Mention any problems in performing the experiment Suggestions for improvement GSE’s and JHS expectations