1. Writing Lab Reports

2. Title: Should be exactly what you studied
Abstract: a condensed version of report, reader should understand purpose methods results and significance of the investigation. (approx; 250 words)

3. Introduction:
Why did you study this problem
Purpose: a statement of the main focus of the experiment
Should include
Hypothesis: a prediction of the answer to the problem.
-thought up before the experiment

4. Materials and Methods
Procedure: a step by step explanation of how the experiment was carried out
Methods from other sources should be referenced
Photographs or diagrams of techniques used
Detail any variations from lab manual or textbook procedure

5. -number the steps down the left side
of the page
Should be organized sequentially for others to repeat exactly if necessary

6. -write in past tense, passive voice
(hint: use "was" or "were" in every sentence)

7. e.g. Change the following into
past tense, passive voice:
1. Determine the masses of five spheres.

8. e.g. Change the following into
past tense, passive voice:
1. Determine the masses of five spheres.
The masses of the five spheres were determined

9. e.g. Change the following into
past tense, passive voice:
2. Use a stopwatch to time the fall of each ball.

10. e.g. Change the following into
past tense, passive voice:
2. Use a stopwatch to time the fall of each ball.
A stopwatch was used to time the fall of each ball.

11. e.g. Change the following into
past tense, passive voice:
3. Record the times in a table.

12. e.g. Change the following into
past tense, passive voice:
3. Record the times in a table.
The times were recorded in a table

13. Results
Observations: the information collected in the experiment. Both words and numbers/measures
Tables, graphs, and sample calculations all can be put here
past tense, passive voice:

14. Discussion: Use the questions designed to deepen or apply the knowledge gained through the experiment.

15. Discussion:
Should be in paragraph style
-answer questions in full sentences and include part of the question in each answer
Support your interpretations with data from investigation

16. Conclusion: the answer to the problem based on the results of the experiment.