Every lab write up will need the
following:
1. Title
- Background Information and Concepts - Write a paragraph or more that explains all concepts you are using in the lab. This section shows you understand the information needed for the lab.
- Question /Purpose - The purpose of the lab is presented in a clear question.
- Hypothesis - The end of your introduction must include a well-constructed hypothesis (in the form of an if/then statement), A prediction of the outcome of your lab. e.g. If we write a good lab write up we predict that we will receive a high mark on the rubric.
3. Experimental Design
− Materials - All materials and setup used in the experiment are clearly described in detail. This section must show any changes or additions to the original list.
− Variables - Show all the variables that are involved in your lab.
Controlled variables – Parts of the lab that you control e.g. The temperature of a solution
Responding variables – Parts of the lab that change as a result of your actions in your lab e.g. The solution changes state as you change the temperature
Independent variables – Parts of your lab that may affect the outcome of your lab, but you have no control over. e.g. the humidity of the room
− Procedures - Theseare the steps taken to complete the lab. They must be written as clear steps that are numbered and written in complete sentences. A good plan of action is to write out the original procedures the lab needs, and then make changes if you are forced to adapt your lab.
4. Data
− Observations / Data Table - Performing a lab always include data collection and mightincludes calculations. Your data should be shown in a table and/or a graph and must be clearly labeled and titled. All data representation must be professional looking, complete and accurate.
− Calculations - All calculations must be shown. Formulas used must be included if they are used. The results must include the proper units. You may type the results of the calculations into the lab write-up paper or write then out on a piece of paper and then staple the sheet showing your work to the lab report.
5.Analysis/Conclusions
− Analysis - Write one or more paragraphs that tell the reader what happened, where and why. In this section you talk about the variables in your experiment, how did they impact your lab and why. You should be including and applying the concepts included in your background information along with your recorded data. You will use the concepts and data to analyze the results and patterns you see within the
lab. Be sure to clearly describe your thoughts. You may choose to predict what might happen if part of the lab were changed to help you explain your ideas.
− Error Analysis - Discuss possible errors, their possible effects, and ways to reduce the errors in future labs. Include any important error calculations you may have had.
− Conclusion - Tie up your lab with a final summary. How did it go, were your results what you expected? Did you support your hypothesis? If you were wrong, where were you wrong? What are your final thoughts?
- Lab title
- Your name (partner’s name(s))
- Date
- Course
- Background Information and Concepts - Write a paragraph or more that explains all concepts you are using in the lab. This section shows you understand the information needed for the lab.
- Question /Purpose - The purpose of the lab is presented in a clear question.
- Hypothesis - The end of your introduction must include a well-constructed hypothesis (in the form of an if/then statement), A prediction of the outcome of your lab. e.g. If we write a good lab write up we predict that we will receive a high mark on the rubric.
3. Experimental Design
− Materials - All materials and setup used in the experiment are clearly described in detail. This section must show any changes or additions to the original list.
− Variables - Show all the variables that are involved in your lab.
Controlled variables – Parts of the lab that you control e.g. The temperature of a solution
Responding variables – Parts of the lab that change as a result of your actions in your lab e.g. The solution changes state as you change the temperature
Independent variables – Parts of your lab that may affect the outcome of your lab, but you have no control over. e.g. the humidity of the room
− Procedures - Theseare the steps taken to complete the lab. They must be written as clear steps that are numbered and written in complete sentences. A good plan of action is to write out the original procedures the lab needs, and then make changes if you are forced to adapt your lab.
4. Data
− Observations / Data Table - Performing a lab always include data collection and mightincludes calculations. Your data should be shown in a table and/or a graph and must be clearly labeled and titled. All data representation must be professional looking, complete and accurate.
− Calculations - All calculations must be shown. Formulas used must be included if they are used. The results must include the proper units. You may type the results of the calculations into the lab write-up paper or write then out on a piece of paper and then staple the sheet showing your work to the lab report.
5.Analysis/Conclusions
− Analysis - Write one or more paragraphs that tell the reader what happened, where and why. In this section you talk about the variables in your experiment, how did they impact your lab and why. You should be including and applying the concepts included in your background information along with your recorded data. You will use the concepts and data to analyze the results and patterns you see within the
lab. Be sure to clearly describe your thoughts. You may choose to predict what might happen if part of the lab were changed to help you explain your ideas.
− Error Analysis - Discuss possible errors, their possible effects, and ways to reduce the errors in future labs. Include any important error calculations you may have had.
− Conclusion - Tie up your lab with a final summary. How did it go, were your results what you expected? Did you support your hypothesis? If you were wrong, where were you wrong? What are your final thoughts?