Outline for writing a Laboratory Report

The purpose of an investigation is to find an answer to a problem. In the case of an experiment, this is
achieved by analysing the results of the investigation carefully, comparing experimental data with that
from the control and interpreting the results in the light of what is already known.

A report of an experiment should consist of the following:

DATE: This is the date the experiment was carried out.

TITLE: This is usually one or two words indicating the topic the experiment falls under in the syllabus’;
for example, Osmosis or Reproduction

AIM: This is a clear statement of the purpose of the experiment, that is, what the experiment is trying to
illustrate or show.

MATERIALS/APPARATUS: This is a list of all the materials (example; iodine solution, water, potato) and
equipment (example; beaker, test tube, spatula) used in performing the experiment.

METHOD/PROCEDURE: This describes the sequence of tasks performed for the experiment. This should
be written in the past tense, passive voice. For example, write “Two drops of iodine solution were
added to the leaf” instead of “I add two drops of iodine to the leaf”. Drawings and diagrams may be
used to help clarify any part of the procedure.

RESULTS/OBSERVATION: This should be written in the past tense, that is, report what you observed,
make precise and accurate observations. DO NOT make conclusions in this section. Where appropriate,
results may be presented in table format and/or graph. All tables and graph must carry a title. Any
necessary calculations should be done in this section and all calculations must be shown.

ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION: Do not simply restate the results, discuss them! This includes offering possible
explanations for your results and along with responses to questions. If your results are different from
what you expected, suggest why. Background information can also be given in this section such as
definitions.

CONCLUSION: Refer back to the aim when making final conclusions. For example, “This experiment
indicated that starch was present in the leaf tested”.

REFLECTION: A brief statement of the value of the experiment and its personal impact.
 POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN MAKING DRAWINGS

 Draw using PENCILS only. They should be kept sharp at all times. No
coloured pencils, crayons or pens should be used.
 Always give drawings a title. This must give the view/ orientation, name or
identity of the specimen and be in neat capital letters placed under the
drawings.
 Drawing should be a reasonable size with enough space left for labelling,
preferably on the right side. Never use less than half a page and attempt to
use the entire page where possible.
 Use a ruler to draw straight label lines.
 Label lines should always tough what they are supposed to show.
 Label lines should never cross.
 Label lines should never carry arrowheads or dots.
 Labels should be written in script (not cursive). Either uppercase (CAPITAL
LETTERS) or lowercase (common letters) should be used, but not a
combination of both.
 Never shade drawings. Stippling, cross hatching or streaking should be used
only when absolutely necessary; for example, to highlight certain parts of a
drawing in a variegated leaf.
 Each drawing should be a faithful representation of the specimen. A layer
should be represented by a double line; example, epicarp layer in the
tomato should be drawn as two lines.
 Labels must be accurate; that is, never use a plural for a single structure.
For example; bud not buds. ALWAYS ENSURE THAT WORDS ARE SPELT
CORRECTLY.
 Labels/ title must be done in pencil since mistakes can be easily erased and
corrected.
 Annotations should be brief and relevant. These are notes on any points
which cannot be shown in the drawing.
 The title should be underlined.