1. How to write a Lab Report

2. Heading
Title
Date/Lab #
Mineral Identification
Lab #1

3. Introduction (10 pts.) Background information Purpose
For this lab…
The purpose of this lab was…
The scientific question we were trying to answer was…
The independent variable was the…., and the dependent variable was the…
Background information
Purpose
2 or more paragraphs
Scientific question
Independent/dependent variables and controls
Mineral Identification
Lab #1

4. Hypothesis (5 pts.) Testable If…Then Statement
If the minerals are tested by their physical properties, then the minerals can be identified.
Mineral Identification
Lab #1
Testable If…Then Statement
Do NOT use “first person”. Write hypothesis in past tense.
Introduction:
For this lab…
The purpose of this lab was…
The scientific question we were trying to answer was…
The independent variable was the…., and the dependent variable was the…

5. Materials (2.5 pts.) Sentence form
Name all materials including specific amounts if measured.
Materials:
The materials used include…

6. Methods (2.5 pts.) Numbered Steps
Logical and thorough enough to be repeated without question or confusion.
Materials:
The materials used include…
Methods:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3

7. Mineral Identification
Results (15 pts.)
Results should include a chart, table, graph, diagram, and/or photograph to show data. Include a title on chosen form.
Materials:
The materials used include…
Methods:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Results:
Mineral Identification

8. If using a graph
Labeled
Represent Data
Use a Ruler

9. Questions
Write out and underline lab question and then answer the question.
Skip 1 line between questions.
Answer in complete sentences.
Questions
What did you enjoy most about this lab?
I enjoyed…
Explain what was difficult to figure out.
The part of the lab that was most difficult to figure out was…
What did you learn about minerals from this lab?
Why were some minerals harder to identify than others?

10. Discussion/Conclusion and Error Analysis (15 pts.)
Conclusion must contain supporting data.
Explain all observations and results.
Analyze and interpret why these results were obtained.
Restate hypothesis and state if correct or incorrect and discuss possible explanations if not correct.
Explain any possible sources for experimental error.
Discussion/Conclusion & Error Analysis
The data shows that sample 1 is…., sample 2 is…., sample 3 is….etc. I was able to identify these samples because… My hypothesis was that if the minerals were tested by their physical properties, then they could be identified. My data did/did not support my hypothesis. Error could be caused by…

11. Overall Neatness Written in Order: Readable Heading
Introduction
Hypothesis
Materials
Methods
Results
Discussion/Conclusion and Error Analysis
Readable
Spacing is appropriate