Writing a Lab Report A blueprint for Experimental design success.

HEADER Line one- Give the experiment number, experiment title, date Line two your name, lab partners, team number and block number

INTRODUCTION Paragraph that sets the stage for you experiment. It gives the reader enough information to understand your objectives. Start with current knowledge about the subject and narrow down to your specific experimental problem

Problem/Purpose Question to be solved. Must be about something measurable. –Why? –How? –What?

HYPOTHESIS Prediction of answer in the future verb tense Use If, then statements If ____ [I do this], then _____ [this will happen]

MATERIALS Detailed list the equipment needed to perform the experiment

PROCEDURE Detailed steps or directions on how to DO the experiment Detailed steps or directions on how to DO the experiment  Includes repeated trials  Watch for cautions and safety symbols Directions found on lab sheet

VARIABLES Identify the 3 types of variables A variable is any factor in an experiment that can be changed

What is a variable? Example: Suppose you want to determine how high a ball can bounce Variables that would effect the ball bouncing would include: type of ball, size of ball, surface, height from which it is bounced, force

Variables are classified 3 types of variables Independent variable (manipulated) factor being tested Dependent variable (responding) factors that measures the result of the change Controlled variable (constant) all other factors that are kept the same

OBSERVATIONS Observations can be made directly with the senses or with the use of measurement tools and technology Types of observations: 1. Qualitative Observations-describe 2. Quantitative Observations-measure

QUALITATIVE Observations Deals with descriptions. Data can be observed but not measured. Colors, textures, smells, tastes, appearance, beauty, etc. Qualitative → Quality

Qualitative Example smells old and musty texture shows brush strokes of oil paint peaceful scene of the country masterful brush strokes

QUANTITATIVE Observations Deals with numbers. Data which can be measured. Length, height, area, volume, weight, speed, time, temperature, humidity, sound levels, cost, members, ages, etc. Quantitative → Quantity

Quantitative Example picture is 10" by 14" with frame 14" by 18" weighs 8.5 pounds surface area of painting is 140 sq. in. cost $300

???? WHICH TYPE OF OBSERVATION???? qualitative (general) or quantitative (specific). It is cold outside._____________________________ Jack is 165 centimeters tall.____________________ The temperature is -10 degrees Celsius.__________ The sky is covered with cumulus clouds.__________ The ball is heavy.___________________________

DATA information collected during experimentation (includes data tables, graphs, and calculations) DATA TABLES Used to list and collect information Organizes data collected from multiple trails

DATA TABLE BASICS Independent variable LEFT, dependent variable RIGHT Titles for table and each column

GRAPHS used to show trends of the data increasing decreasing

GRAPHING BASICS  The independent variable is always on the X-axis (horizontal)  the dependent variable is always on the Y-axis (vertical) TITLE EVERYTHING!!!! Each graph must include a graph title, Y-axis title and units X-axis and units

GRAPHING BASICS Dependent variable Name and unit Independent variable Name and unit Graph title

Data table example

TYPES OF GRAPHS The type of data collected will determine which graph is to be used. Types of graphs include bar graph, circle graph and line graph

Bar Graphs Bar graphs are used to show a comparison of multiple types variable is The independent variable is described and the dependent variable is counted

CIRCLE GRAPHS Also called pie graphs Pie graphs are used to compare the parts of a whole. Shown as a percentage Total must equal 100 %

Line Graphs  Line graphs are used to show the relationship between variables  each variable has numbered units

Show all work!!! 1.Include the formula 2. Plug in the data 3. Solve the problem with correct units CALCULATIONS

Calculation Model Formula useds = d/t Plug in values s= 20m/5s Solve s = 4 m/s

CONCLUSION Compose a paragraph that describes ---  what you learned from the data you collected It states trends or patterns you see in the data and anything else you learned from the data Reduce the numbers/measurements to averages in sentence form Determine if the hypothesis is accepted or rejected. If hypothesis is rejected, g ive possible reasons for the difference between your hypothesis and the experimental results Discuss any problems that may have influenced your outcome and suggestions for improvement. End with a closing statement about your findings.