1. General Instructions Evidence is the basis for our understanding in science and a lab report is your opportunity to present evidence you’ve collected to a reader. When you write up a lab report follow this format. All laboratory reports are to be written in your lab book in pen. Each of the following sections of the lab report should begin with the section name. Corrections: Written errors: Draw ONE line through the sentence or word. It should still be able to be seen. Much of science was first thought of as a mistake in a lab report. Full page errors: Make ONE x and a note where to find the correct material. NEVER USE WHITEOUT OR RIP OUT THE PAGE!!!

2. Table of Contents Page title Lab Title Lab number Page number

3. Top of first page of lab Date: (starting date) Lab #TitlePartner : (full name) Write up___________Clean up___________

4. Purpose The overall focal point of the lab. Put this together as a clear research question that you will be investigating.

5. Method Generally how we will be carrying out the lab to achieve the focus. In your lab book list the independent and dependent variables and the variables you will control.

6. Hypothesis How you think the lab will turn out based on your understanding of the concepts involved. Whenever possible put in the “If... then... because...” format. Be sure this is your own work. Plagiarism is costly and embarrassing.

7. Vocabulary Underline each word and define using full sentences. Definitions can be found in the text material or class notes. Be sure the definitions are relevant to the lab.

8. Materials A list of materials needed to perform the experiment. Copy into lab book.

9. Procedure Step by step instructions for carrying out the lab. Do not copy into lab book. Instead construct a flowchart (possibly with diagrams) that will simply explain what you are doing to carry out the experiment. It should include the variables you are measuring (and units), how you are measuring them (what equipment used) and how many times you are measuring them.

10. Data Think ahead to avoid set up errors. Construct data tables in your lab book before class time. All tables must be done in pen and with a ruler. All data entered must be in pen. Pencil will not be given any credit. All tables must be numbered according to lab and titled according to specific kind of data it holds. (example: Table 1.1 Taste Results) All individual and group data must be included in a data table in all labs.

11. Analysis Interpretations of the data based on group findings unless otherwise instructed. May include calculations and/or graphs. Remember that the independent variable is along the x axis and the dependent variable is along the y axis. Graphs must be numbered and titled with the description of the relationship the graph depicts.

12. Conclusion Use specific pieces of evidence to make specific conclusions that can be drawn from the experiment. If you found a relationship between the variables identify this relationship clearly and concisely. Describe what your graph tells you, respond to the questions outlined. Include points of interest. Respond to your hypothesis. Evaluate the procedure of your experiment. What factors or equipment caused specific measurements to be less than perfectly accurate? Make some suggestions for improvement as well as suggestions about how you could expand the investigation into other research questions.

13. Conclusion Claim – Evidence - Reasoning Make a claim – What do you know? (Look at your purpose) State the evidence – How do you know that? Explain your reasoning – Why does your evidence support your claim?