WRITING THE LABORATORY REPORT Human Physiology Adapted from Roanoak labs

Entries for each experiment should include: Title of the experiment Purpose and introduction Materials Procedure data and observations Analysis Questions Conclusion & discussion

Title Type the Title of the experiment (underlined), and the date the experiment was begun. The name of your partner(s) should be placed below the date (which should be on the right- hand side, at the top outside corner of the page. Write a table of contents and number pages. Only one side of a page should ever be used.

Purpose Write a brief statement of the objective(s) of the experiment. Do not use "I" in the purpose, but write in the future tense since the purpose must be written out before the experiment is begun.

Introduction This section should be a brief discussion of the important aspect(s) of the experiment. A discussion of a concept being studied, and/or the mathematical relationship(s) involved in the experiment, or definitions important to the experiment should be included. This section should be written in narrative form using complete sentences.

Procedure Procedure: describe what you are to do, using future tense, abbreviated narrative form. Use # for each step. Standard techniques such as massing by difference, or measuring volumes with a graduate or buret need not be described in detail. Tell enough, but don't be too wordy.

Data / Observations Prepare a data table for each part of the experiment and only record into this table. If the experiment involves more than one specific procedure, use a separate paragraph for each part. Skip a line occasionally, especially between paragraphs. Be sure you include the names of pieces of equipment used, and their sizes, as well as the amounts of chemicals used.

Data / Observations A sketch of the apparatus set-up, or instrumentation used, can be very useful and save a lot of words. Leave a margin on each side and at top and bottom.

Data / Observations Observations and Data: measurements should be recorded immediately after they are made and labeled as to what they represent IN INK. Units of measure must always be shown. Written observations should be clear and concise. Write observations immediately, or you may very well forget something. If data is reported within the body of the procedure, as opposed to within a data table, it should be underlined.

Analysis & Questions First, state the outcome of the experiment in narrative form. Equations for any chemical reactions that occurred should be shown and labeled appropriately.

Results and Conclusion Graphs, when required, should be clearly labeled and titled. If there are two or more different graphs, then they should be identified as Fig. 1, etc. Sources of any values/information used in calculations or in discussion or answering questions should be cited in standard reference format.

Do’s and Don’ts Page one is the first page after the Table of Contents. Do use blue or black ink pen only, preferably permanent ballpoint, not felt or rollerball. Do use colored pens or pencils to show colors of flame tests, solutions, etc., in cases where this would help you remember observations.

Do’s and Don’ts Do mark out mistakes neatly with a single line or an x. Do use a straight-edge to underline headings, data, make sides to tables, or mark out mistakes. DO NOT use “Whiteout” in the lab writeup for any reason!!!

Do’s and Don’ts Word process everything other than the actual data recording. Consider taking a digital photo of your experiment setup to include in your report.