How To Write a Lab Report for AP Biology

Step 1 Abstract-The abstract briefly describes what you did during the lab and what you were attempting to discover. It should be no more than 2-3 sentences. Example: In this lab we were trying to determine what effect studying time has on test scores. In the experiment we asked students to study for different lengths of time and then we gave them a test and compared their results.

Step 2 Problem-The problem or “question” is the thing you are trying to find the answer to. This MUST be written as a question! Example: What effect does studying time have on test scores?

Step 3 Hypothesis-This is an educated guess about the answer to the problem. The hypothesis MUST answer the Problem. Example: If students study for a longer time, then they will do better on the test.

Step 4 Variables-You must list the dependent and independent variables. The dependent variable is the thing you are taking the data for. (Test score) The independent variable isn’t changed by other variables in the experiment. (Time spent studying) NOTE: Time is frequently the independent variable, but not always!

Many people have trouble remembering which is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable. An easy way to remember is to insert the names of the two variables you are using in the sentence below in a way that makes the most sense. Then you can figure out which is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable: (Independent variable) causes a change in (Dependent Variable) and it isn't possible that (Dependent Variable) could cause a change in (Independent Variable). (Time Spent Studying) causes a change in (Test Score) and it isn't possible that (Test Score) could cause a change in (Time Spent Studying).

Step 5 Data-You must create a data table to record your data and a graph to illustrate your data.

Step 6 Analysis-Answer any questions that are included in the lab handouts.

Step 7 Conclusion-In the conclusion, you must summarize your experiment and results. You should describe any sources of error (any mistakes) and state whether you accept or reject your hypothesis and why.

Step 8 Next Steps-Here you should describe what other question(s) have arisen from the experiment and what you might like to investigate for the next experiment.

The Experiment The major macromolecules:__________, ____________, ___________, and _________ provide the fuel we need to survive.(they store energy in the form of potential energy which is released when our bodies break the bonds that were formed when the molecules came together.) Of the four, ___________ and __________ are the best sources of energy.

In this lab, we will burn four food samples and measure the amount of heat energy released during the burning. We will use a calorimeter to measure the heat energy released.

In calorimetry, a food sample is burned beneath a container of water. The water absorbs the heat energy and changes temperature. The change in the temperature of the water has a direct correlation to the amount of energy in the original sample. We will determine which of the food samples has the greatest amount of stored energy

You will complete all of the steps of a lab report that we discussed today. You will record your data in a data table and create a graph of your data. You will answer several questions related to the experiment. You will write a conclusion to summarize your experiment.

Lab Tri-Fold