Writing a Lab Report Rubric and Guide

Points Title 1 Introduction/Purpose 2 Materials 2 Disposal 1 Procedure 4 Data/Observations 10 Conclusion 10 30

Helpful Information for Writing Lab Reports Title: should relate the independent variable to the dependent variable. Ex: The effect of temperature on the reactivity of the enzyme peroxidase. In this case, we tell how our IV (temperature) and DV (enzyme reactivity) are related.

Helpful Information for Writing Lab Reports Cont’d Introduction/Purpose: should be brief and to the point. It answers the question why you are performing the experiment and includes your hypothesis. Note: the hypothesis should be an “if/then” statement that relates the IV to the DV! It must be testable, verifiable, repeatable and relevant.

Helpful Information for Writing Lab Reports Cont’d Materials and Methods (this includes the “materials,” “disposal” and “procedure” portions of the rubric): should outline what was used to perform the experiment as well as how it was used. What did you do with each thing when you were finished with it (i.e. any special instructions for disposal)? This section does not need to be incredibly detailed, but it should contain enough detail so that another individual would be able to perform the experiment based upon what you have written.

Helpful Information for Writing Lab Reports Cont’d Results/Data/Observations: should include a record of ALL data collected during the experiment (graphs, tables, charts, written explanations, etc…) Indicate any patterns or trends that may have appeared.

Helpful Information for Writing Lab Reports Cont’d Conclusion: should AT THE VERY LEAST answer the following questions: What happened in the experiment? Why might this have occurred? Here you should use information learned in class to try to explain why whatever happened happened! How do your results relate to your hypothesis? Remember: Hypotheses are ONLY supported or not supported – never right or wrong! What were some possible sources of error?