LAB REPORT FORMAT

Heading Name Date Section Lab Partner(s) (separated by semi-colon) Choose a CREATIVE title for your lab Honor Code signed at top. 1. INTRODUCTION: This section should include the purpose, hypothesis, theory, and variables. Purpose: This is the objective or aim of the experiment. Be clear and concise. (Examples: To understand the effect of _____ on _____. To investigate the relationship of______.) Hypothesis: State what you are predicting and why. (Example: If _____ then ______.) Theory: Give a general background of the experiment. Describe the principles on which the lab is based. Include relevant definitions and formulas. Variables: Identify the different variables in the experiment. The independent variable is the one that you alter throughout the experiment. The dependent variable is the variable that you measure. The controlled variables are the ones that you try to keep constant throughout the experiment so that they do not affect the experiment. 2. MATERIALS and METHODS: This section includes a listing of the laboratory equipment and chemicals and the experimental procedure. List of Materials: Give a list of all of the equipment used. The specific size of each item of glassware (e.g., 50 mL beaker) should be included. Give the names of any chemicals used. Procedure: Write this section in a fashion that would allow the reader to repeat the experiment. You can use a diagram to show the experimental apparatus if you find it necessary. 3. RESULTS: This section presents the collected data and the processing and presentation of this data. Qualitative Observations: Describe all qualitative observations throughout the procedure (color changes, formation of a gas, etc.). Data Collection: Experimental data (raw data) should be presented, with correct units, in tabular and/or graphical form. The number of significant digits must be consistent in every reading. The table should be presented to allow easy interpretation.

Raw Data Processing and Presentation of the Processed Data: This involves the manipulation of raw data to determine an experimental value. For example, calculations may be carried out to determine a physical quantity from experimental data. The data may be transformed into a form that is suitable for making a graph. If there is more than one trial of an experiment, the data may be averaged. The processed data must be presented in a form that can easily be interpreted. This may include graphs or tables. It is important to label the axes of the graphs and to have a title for the graph. A line of best fit should be used where appropriate. Tables need to be properly labeled. Samples calculations of each type of calculation must be given. It is important to present the results with the correct number of significant figures. If there is an accepted value of some quantity that is known from the literature, a percent error calculation can be given.

4. CONCLUSION and EVALUATION Conclusion: Summarize the data. Note important patterns and trends. Discuss the significance of the graphs. Address the consistency of the data (precision and accuracy). State what you think the data means, based on a logical argument from the results. Was the objective of the experiment met? Was the hypothesis supported by the results? If the data is inconclusive, then this should be stated. If possible, compare the results of the values of physical quantities with known values. Why is the result higher or lower than expected? Evaluation of the Procedure: You should evaluate the method used to generate the data. What is the main weakness of the method? It is not acceptable to suggest human error or mistakes with calculations. Consider the limitations of the experimental equipment, possible variations in experimental technique, or changes in the environment of the lab. Improving the Investigation: Suggest one or two changes to the experimental method that will improve the experiment by minimizing the most important sources of error. This could include changes in the equipment or the way in which the procedure is carried out. Answer any additional questions that may be present at the end of the lab instructions. 5. ADDITIONAL NOTES -Write lab reports in third person, past tense and in the passive voice. (The reactants were added to the 150-mL beaker.) Avoid the use of pronouns. -The report should be typed and double-spaced. -Pay careful attention to the grammar, spelling, and neatness. -Re-write the procedure in your own words. -Qualitative observations are put before the data tables.

-The length of each section of a report depends on the nature of the experiment. Not all experiments are quantitative. Graphs are not always required. -Late lab reports will incur a penalty.