1. How to Complete A Lab Report

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

3. Heading
Date
Student Name
Class Period

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

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

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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Doctor Conner’s Graph

18. ANY QUESTIONS????

19. USING DOCTOR CONNER AS AN EXAMPLE COMPLETE A LAB REPORT