Lab Report Template

Title:

A brief, concise, yet descriptive title, starting with an action word Ex: Testing effects of pH on plant growth.
Statement of the Problem/Intro:

What question(s) are you trying to answer? Include preliminary observations or background information about the subject. Define any scientific terms used.

Hypothesis: Write your hypothesis as an if/then statement Ex: If (discuss the relationship between independent and dependent variable) then (I do this to
the independent variable, the dependent variable will change this way.)

What is your expectation and why. Does your hypothesis predict the outcome of your experiment? Discuss the relationship between independent and dependent variable. Make sure the statement is testable.

Variables: Have you clearly identified both the dependent and independent variables? Have manipulations/changes to independent variables been well designed? Was the independent applied over a range of values? Are changes in the dependent variable caused by the independent variable? Have you identified the major controlled variables that might possibly affect the outcome of your experiment? Has there been an attempt to maintain constant values for identified controlled variables, or if not possible to control, are they being monitored for changes? What measuring techniques (SI units) are being used?

Materials:

Make a list of ALL items used in the lab. Include any safety material YOU use. List any safety concerns associated with this lab.

Procedure/Methods:

List the steps needed to complete the experiment. Your procedure should be detailed enough so that anyone else could repeat the experiment. Have you identified your control group? Have enough trials (3-4 trials, or large sample size) been conducted and has enough data been collected to draw an accurate conclusion.

Data/ Data Analysis:

This section should include any data tables, observations, or additional notes you make during the lab. You may attach a separate sheet(s) if necessary. All tables, graphs and charts should be labeled appropriately. Graphs must be on graph paper. Independent variable/time x-axis, Dependent variable on y axis. Any calculations or data manipulations should be done here as well. EX. averages, percent changes. Include a summary of the data - averages, highest, lowest...etc to help the reader understand your results

Conclusions:

Accept, reject or modify your hypothesis. EXPLAIN why you accepted or rejected your hypothesis using specific data from the lab. Explain the scientific principles behind your results. List one thing you learned and describe how it applies to a real-life situation. Discuss possible errors that could have occurred in the collection of the data experimental errors or limitations. How would you improve on this experiment (to eliminate errors or unreliable data). Do not repeat your procedures or state your feelings about the experiment.