RHS Science Lab Report Guidelines

HOW TO WRITE A FORMAL LABORATORY REPORT

In all aspects of this class you will be investigating the nature of science. I believe
that the best way to do this is through hands on experience and laboratory
activities. The lab is a place for you to actively engage in the process of SCIENCE.
Along with this, goes the importance of writing a laboratory report. The lab report is
not only a time for you to share the results discovered during experimentation, but
it is also an opportunity for you to analyze your procedure, and evaluate any
mistakes you may have made. Remember that science is imperfect we learn new
information by trying new things and continuing to ask questions outside of class.
Each lab report must consist of:
1. Title: The title should indicate what the laboratory report is about. It should
be brief, start with a key word, and indicate the nature of the investigation.
Consider what is being measured. Example: Effect of Temperature on Enzyme
Activity
2. Problem: There is no purpose to an experiment unless you are trying to
solve a problem. The problem should be written in the form of a question.
Also list the independent variable and dependent variable(s).
Example: How does temperature affect enzyme activity?
3. Hypothesis: In one clear sentence, state your hypothesis which describes
what you expect to find and why. Format: If (independent variable) then
(dependent variable) because (logical explanation).
Example: If an enzyme and substrate are heated, then the amount of product
produced will increase because as the temperature of molecules increases
they move more, which will increase the number of collisions between the
enzyme and its substrate resulting in more chemical reactions occurring.
4. Materials: This is a complete list of everything you needed to complete your
experiment. The purpose of this section is to make it possible for a person to
know what they would need in advance if they were to duplicate this
experiment. Every material listed should be in the procedures for the lab.
Example: 2- 100ml beakers
5. Procedure: Your experimental design should match the problem and should
be clearly described so that someone else could easily replicate your
experiment. Include a control whenever appropriate and state which
variables need to be held constant. Write this section in numbered steps. Be
sure to include each material and piece of equipment at least once in the
procedure. Be as descriptive, but concise as possible. DO NOT write this in
the first person with I, we, or any other personal pronouns.
Example: Measure 20 mL of water using a 50 mL graduated cylinder.

6. Data: Include both qualitative and quantitative data. Your quantitative data
should be organized into table(s) (Trials across the top, experimental groups
on left hand side), and graph(s) whenever possible. Label sides of the data
table using the independent and dependent variables. Include a descriptive
title above the table. Include any formulas and calculations that are used.
Qualitative data (observations) should be included in a bulleted format.
Examples:
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Experimental
group 1
Experimental
group 2
Qualitative Data:
Increased temperature also caused a color change to occur.
7. Conclusion: A conclusion contains a description of the purpose of the
experiment, a discussion of your major findings, and recommendations for
further study. Organize the following points into three paragraphs.
a. Restate the overall purpose of the experiment (including the IV and
DV in this sentence). Re-state the hypothesis using the If,then, because
format.
Example: The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect
of temperature on enzyme activity. We predicted that if
b. Report major findings and include whether or not hypothesis was
supported by data. Summarize the results of your data and graph,
supporting your statements with the data obtained. Do not refer only
to averages unless results from all trials were very close. Include all
data that is significant to the experiment.
Example: The hypothesis was not supported by our data. The
enzymes activity increased as the temperature increased to a point.
At 50 degrees, the enzyme produced
c. Draw conclusions. Discuss the results you obtained using
background knowledge to explain the findings of your investigation.
Example: Enzymes are a type of protein that speeds up chemical
reactions. In this experiment, the enzyme.
d. Identify any sources of error in the experimental design. What
changes would you make in the design/procedure to improve it? Dont
limit this to human error, but include errors and improvements to
overall procedure/design. Identify ways to increase the validity of the
experiment.
Example: The experiment should be conducted with a number of
different enzymes/substrates in order to.
e. Provide suggestions for further study and real world application.
How does this lab apply to the real world? Where can this information
be useful?