Writing for Biology Class Part 1: Lab Report Format Materials taken from Knisely, Karin. (2009). Writing in Biology. Sinaur/Freeman and edited by Angela Bush, SRVHS

Lab Report Format Writing a structured lab report is essential in clearly communicating how the lab was conducted and what the findings were. All scientific and medical journals use a format similar to this to convey information found in lab investigations and field studies. UCs and CSUs require students to be able to follow a structured format in creating reports for ALL subject matters. 2

Lab Report Formats Always pay attention to the lab report format you are assigned to do to ensure you are completing the report correctly! Specific instructions for each format are online under the link “Lab Report Format” 3 lab report formats for Biology Formal- A full lab report, typed, with all 5 sections (purpose, hypothesis, procedure, observations, and conclusions) and proper title Informal- A typed lab report with observation and conclusion sections and a proper title Lab Activity- A worksheet that is turned in after the lab is performed in class

What does a Formal Lab Report Look Like? NOTE: This is the highest level of lab report, informal lab reports and lab activities are variations of this format Name: _______ Period: ____ Date: _______ The Effect of ____ on ____ Purpose: The purpose of this lab was to… Hypothesis: If…, then…, (because…). Procedure: 1) 2) Observations: 1) 2) During this lab, the following observations were made… Conclusion: 1) 2) From this lab, one can conclude that…