This page contains the format and writing guidelines for 

Laboratory Write-up Report

Record all data in a laboratory notebook as soon as possible after making the observations. Make no erasures; instead cross out any errors with a single line. Always add the title and date to this lab book as well as for each section of data.

Presentation:    All lab reports are to be hand written (no typing!).
                        They must be:

Pre - Lab

Introduction:    Simply begin the report with a synopsis of the overall    lab concept. This will usually be done by the teacher on the board before the lab.  Done in class in journal.

 Lab

Raw Data:    Any pertinent data  collected during the lab.  Done in    class, in journal.

Post

Title:                Each lab should have it's own unique title; ad this to the    top of the first page and double underline it.  Do not make a separate title page.

Purpose:        The purpose is one to two sentences long and must simply and effectively capture the essence of why the lab is being performed.

Hypothesis:    Simple statement about the outcome of the lab using an "if" and "then" analysis.

Materials:        Should not be added (as this is most likely on the handout given for the lab) . Only add this section if you used material that wee not stated on the handout.

Method:           If the procedure is taken from the laboratory manual or other reference source, give a reference to the source (s) only.  Any procedural changes to these references must be noted.

Observations: Present data and  observations in a systematic way.  Always use a tabular format whenever possible.

Calculations:    Show sample calculations, and clearly lay out all of your results. If any calculations appear in the question do not repeat them in this section.  This section should only be included if it is necessary.

Conclusion:      State concisely any important conclusions drawn from this experiment.  This is no more than two to three sentences long and should reference your purpose and hypothesis.

Discussion:       Simply answer all question in the order as they appear.  If no questions are given them you must provide an interpretation of your results according to the pertinent concepts and theories is discussed here. Remember to suggest possible sources of error and possible improvements.  This section may range from a few sentences to a few paragraphs.  Compare your results with any literature results or expectations.

Lab Report Format

Date                                                Title                                             Name

Purpose:        State the question you are trying to answer, or the problem you are trying to solve with the experiment.

Hypothesis:    State the answer you expect to find.

Materials:      List all material used.

Diagram:        Draw and label a diagram of the apparatus.

Method:          Make a short summary of the steps take in the experiment.

Observations: Put in chart form whenever possible. Put qualitative observations in sentence form, with each observation numbered.

Calculations:    Show all calculations in full.  Only if required.

Conclusion:      Make a conclusion based on the information from you observations and calculations.  It may or may not be the same as your hypothesis.

Discussion:        Answer the assigned questions completely and in sentences.   This section is the most important part of the lab report.

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