How to Complete A Lab Report

Parts of an Experiment Heading Title Purpose Background knowledge Hypothesis Materials The Variables Procedures Data / Charts Graphs Results Analysis Conclusion

Heading Date Student Name Class Period

Lab Title & Purpose Title =The topic we are studying Purpose = Why we are studying it

Background Knowledge Any and all prior knowledge or information you may have about the topic of our lab.

Hypothesis A prediction or educated guess on the results of the lab we are working on. Must be in an “If, then, because” format.

Variables Independent – the changes you make to see the results Dependent – the result of the changes you make Constant – the things that remain the same even after the changes are made Control – the things that purposely do not receive any change, used to make comparisons

Procedures Everything that is done during the lab. Must be listed as numbered steps Include Safety Procedures

Data / Charts All of your data must be placed within a chart (especially when running trials) This is an EXAMPLE Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Object 1   Object 2 Object 3

Graphs Any statistics noted must be placed within a graph. Circle graphs = to show Percentages Bar graphs = to show Comparisons Broken line graphs = to show Changes over time

Results & Analysis Results – Explain the results of each trial conducted during the Lab Analysis - Explain why you think the results occurred. Was your hypothesis supported? If not, what can be done so that the results of the Lab support your hypothesis.

Conclusion Must be a complete summary of the entire lab. Should be written in paragraph format

Example Doctor Conner wants to test the effects of a new fertilizer he has developed in his fertilizer lab. He has decided to plant a tomato garden divided into four sections (A, B, C, D). Each section of the garden will grow green tomatoes. Doctor Conner provides each section with 32 fluid ounces of water daily for six days straight.

Doctor Conner’s Garden 16 ounces of Fertilizer Grade A1A Soil 32 ounces of water Plump green tomato seeds Height = 30 centimeters Location = Open facing East C 64 ounces of Fertilizer Height = 60 centimeters B 32 ounces of Fertilizer Height = 90 centimeters D 0 ounces of Fertilizer Height = 15 centimeters

Doctor Conner’s Variables Independent Variable – The amount of Fertilizer each section receives Dependent Variable – The height the tomato vines grow Constant Variable –Grade A1A Soil, 32 ounces of water, Plump green tomato seeds, Location Controlled Variable– Section D

Doctor Conner’s Data SECTION AMOUNT OF FERTILIZER SOIL GRADE AMOUNT OF WATER TYPE OF SEEDS HEIGHT LOCATION A 16 ounces A1A 32floz Green tomato 30cm Open facing east B 32 ounces 90cm C 64 ounces 60cm D 0 ounces 15cm

Doctor Conner’s Graph

ANY QUESTIONS????

USING DOCTOR CONNER AS AN EXAMPLE COMPLETE A LAB REPORT