Parts of a Laboratory Report
The majority of laboratory reports include the following sections: Date, Title, Purpose or Goal, Procedure, Data, Conclusions, and Reflections and Applications.
The description explains the purpose or objective of the experiment. A hypothesis is generally included here.
The procedure should be written with clarity and enough detail that it could be repeated. It is the process that was actually conducted in the laboratory. Safety considerations should be noted in this section.
Data includes:
Raw data organized into tables or graphs.
Important results in written form.
Calculations
Please show the formulas used and the “set up” of the calculation.
Conclusions have three parts:
Paragraph One: Restate the hypothesis and include whether or not the data supported the hypothesis.
Paragraph Two: Discuss any questionable data or results and any errors that may have occurred.
Paragraph Three: Discuss what was learned by completing the lab. Include appropriate vocabulary, and make connections between the concepts learned in class and the information acquired through completing the lab. Suggest any modifications to the procedures or additional labs that could be conducted to further understanding of the concept.
Reflections and applications:
This section demonstrates student understanding of the concept. Students should be able to compare expected results with actual results. In addition, students should be able to analyze experimental error. Furthermore, students should be able to discuss the applications of the information learned to other situations.
The description explains the purpose or objective of the experiment. A hypothesis is generally included here.
The procedure should be written with clarity and enough detail that it could be repeated. It is the process that was actually conducted in the laboratory. Safety considerations should be noted in this section.
Data includes:
Raw data organized into tables or graphs.
Important results in written form.
Calculations
Please show the formulas used and the “set up” of the calculation.
Conclusions have three parts:
Paragraph One: Restate the hypothesis and include whether or not the data supported the hypothesis.
Paragraph Two: Discuss any questionable data or results and any errors that may have occurred.
Paragraph Three: Discuss what was learned by completing the lab. Include appropriate vocabulary, and make connections between the concepts learned in class and the information acquired through completing the lab. Suggest any modifications to the procedures or additional labs that could be conducted to further understanding of the concept.
Reflections and applications:
This section demonstrates student understanding of the concept. Students should be able to compare expected results with actual results. In addition, students should be able to analyze experimental error. Furthermore, students should be able to discuss the applications of the information learned to other situations.