This is the format for writing up your formal laboratory experiments. Please keep it in your binder. We will not write up a formal lab for every activity we do, but
you'll need it for reference every week or two.  Changes to the lab format may occur and will be specified during the introduction to specific laboratories.

  • A descriptive Title for the experiment is the first item and usually describes the main topic covered in the lab. It should be centered on the top line of the first page of the lab write-up. You
    may use the title given on the lab instruction sheet or provide your own.

  • The Purpose of the experiment is next and describes the reason for performing the lab, or what is being investigated.

  • The Hypothesis follows; this section provides your educated guess as to the outcome of the experiment. Your hypothesis should be written before you begin the lab. Because
    many of our labs are observational, (as opposed to truly experimental, we'll often skip this step.

  • A list of the Materials to be used to complete the experiment must be included.

  • The Procedure is next. Most often, you will refer the reader to the procedure that’s printed on the lab directions sheet.  However, if the procedure is original (meaning you made it up or
    we created it as a class), it needs to be written in detail, with clearly outlined steps.
  • A Series of Diagrams will often be included in this section.  Each diagram needs to be a neat, colored and labeled drawing of the assembled apparatus needed at each step of the
    experiment.  We will not always diagram procedures; I’ll tell you if you must diagram.

  • The next section includes all of your collected Data. It is broken down into two main sections: Observations and Data Tables.   All tables should be prepared before you start collecting
    information from the experiment.
  • Observations- Anything of interest that you see, smell, hear, or feel during experimentation.  These may be clues to discrepancies or faulty data, may help you to draw
    conclusions, or may be information that you find interesting or unique for that particular lab.

  • Data Tables- All data tables must be drawn neatly with a straight edge and must include a descriptive title.  (“Number of Bacterial Colonies per Day” is a descriptive title.  “Data
    Table” is not.) Independent variables belong in the leftmost column, dependent variables on the right.  Often you’ll have more than one dependent variable; that’s okay, just create
    additional columns on the right.

  • Analysis:  This section includes your graphs, calculations and analysis questions.
  • Graphs- These should take up at least half of an 81/2 x 11 page (a whole page is better) so that they are large and easy to read. All graphs must be drawn neatly on graphing
    paper with a straight edge. Just like your data tables, graphs should have a descriptive title. I recommend using the same title you used for your data table if appropriate. Make sure
    you’re using the correct type of graph for your data set (line, bar, double bar, etc.).  Each graph must include the following:
    i.        Descriptive Title (as described above)
    ii.       Independent Variable on the X axis, Dependent Variable on the Y axis
    iii.       Axes labeled, with units in parentheses where appropriate (e.g., “Time (s)”)
    iv.      Consistent increments on numbered axes. (A succession of 0, 2, 4, 6, is okay; 1, 2, 5, 12, 13, is not and will skew your data.)
    v.       Legend (when necessary)

  • Calculations - Show all work and include units in each step and in your answer.  Box your answers to distinguish them from your work.

  • Analysis Questions - Unless specifically instructed to do so, you do not need to rewrite the questions, but all answers must be in complete sentences.  

  • Concluding Paragraph - All conclusions should be written using complete sentences and in paragraph form. Your concluding paragraph must include the following:
  1. Introductory sentence: what were you investigating in this experiment?  The “Purpose” section of your lab write will be helpful for this part.
  2. Restate your hypothesis.
  3. Accept or reject your hypothesis: were you right or wrong?
  4. Discuss any and all data that supports or rejects your hypothesis. This is where you will refer back to tables, graphs, observations or calculations.
  5. If we did not formulate a hypothesis before performing the lab, replace items b-d with a description of what we did (the procedure) and why.  Include some specific
    details from the lab and a description of what you found (your results/conclusions).
  6. Discuss any experimental errors that may have contributed to your findings.  Describe how you could improve the experiment if you were to perform it again.  Your suggested
    changes can include ways to avoid error, or changes to the procedure itself.
  7. Finally, relate what we have been discussing, reading or working on in class to the ideas covered in the lab. This is where you will link the purpose of the lab to the purpose of
    the course. Recommend further experimentation if appropriate.  (You will not actually perform these experiments; just describe additional experimentation that would best
    further knowledge of your subject.)
Lab Report Format
Download a hard
copy of the lab
report format here.