1. Biology 11 – Mr. Penton
LAB WRITING

2. LAB WRITING
CHAPTER 1 – Page 7-11

3. SAFETY IN LABS
CHAPTER 1 – Page 18-19

4. HOW TO USE THE MICROSCOPE
APPENDIX C – the back of your text book!

5. LAB RUBRIC EXCELENT - 4 marks GOOD – 3 marks ADEQUATE – 2 marks
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT – 1 mark
NOT ATTEMPTED – 0 MARKS

6. LAB RUBRIC: INTRODUCTION
Includes the question to be answered by the lab
States hypothesis that is based on sound reasoning
Title is relevant

7. LAB RUBRIC: METHODS
Description or step-by-step process is included, could be repeated by another scientist

8. LAB RUBRIC: DATA & ANALYSIS
Results and data are clearly recorded, organized so it is easy for the reader to see trends. All appropriate labels are included

9. LAB RUBRIC: CONCLUSIONS
Summarizes data used to draw conclusions
2. Conclusions follow data (not wild guesses or leaps of logic),
3. Discusses applications or real world connections
4. Hypothesis is rejected or accepted based on the data.

10. LAB RUBRIC: FORMAT AND LAB PROTOCOL
Lab report submitted as directed, and on time. Directions were followed, stations were cleaned. All safety protocols followed.

11. LAB WRITING
**While writing a lab, you must use the third person (no I, me, you, we, our, etc).**

12. LAB WRITING
Before you begin writing up your lab identify the Independent Variable (IV) and the Dependent Variable (DV).
(IV = what is being changed/tested)
(DV = what is being measured)

13. CONTROL VARIABLE
those factors that need to be held the same in each trial to ensure a fair test

14. LAB FORMAT: PROBLEM or PURPOSE
Write a question the experiment will answer (include a question mark). Include IV and DV
Purpose
what you are trying to figure out
To determine… to find out…

15. INTRODUCTION
Write a paragraph of background information obtained from research.

16. HYPOTHESIS Pick a specific IV and DV Sentence #1:
Write a statement about what is expected to happen in the experiment. (Follow format below)
If ____________IV_________________ then _____________DV______________.
(IV – what is being changed/tested)
(DV – what is being measured)
 Sentence #2: Explain why this will happen based on common knowledge and/or previous research from the introduction. This will happen because…

17. METHODS
Materials:
Make a list of ALL items used in the lab. Alternatively, materials can be included as part of the procedure.
Procedure:
Write a paragraph (complete sentences) which explains what you did in the lab as a short summary. Add details (step-by-step) of your procedure in such a way that anyone else could repeat the experiment.

18. RESULTS:DATA
This section should include any data tables, observations, or additional notes you make during the lab.
You may attach a separate sheet(s) if necessary.
All tables, graphs and charts should be labeled appropriately.

19. DATA TABLE:

20. CHARTS Title Chart & Axis IV on x-axis DV on y-axis
Use appropriate chart (line or bar) depending on your IV and DV

21. CONCLUSIONS
Accept or reject your hypothesis. * EXPLAIN why you accepted or rejected your hypothesis using data from the lab.
Include a summary of the data - averages, highest, lowest..etc to help the reader understand your results. Try not to copy your data here, you should summarize and reference KEY information.
List one thing you learned and describe how it applies to a real-life situation.
Discuss possible errors that could have occurred in the collection of the data (experimental errors)

22. Things to avoid
Having a hypothesis, procedure, and conclusion about different things. These 3 parts should be consistent
Not recording data: if in doubt – record it. You should not include those values that are outliers.
Taking too small a number of samples or trials. The more, the better
Recording data that did not occur
Beginning to work on the lab procedure and data table or the write-up the day before it is due
Do not copy your group members write-up. That is considered plagiarism. You may use the same data but in your own table.

23. YOUR RADISH LAB Apply the scientific method
Must have one graph or chart included
Scored with the LAB RUBRIC
DUE: TUESDAY AUGUST 7

24. Note that:
Typed or word processed reports are encouraged and may be requested.
Your lab must be written in dark ink (not red ink), diagrams, and graphs must be done in pencil.
You must use a ruler to underline all headings, and for drawing graphs or charts.
You must be as neat and tidy with your lab write-up as possible.
You must write using full sentences. Answers which are not in complete sentences may be marked incorrect!
Do not copy – copied work and the work from which it is copied WILL receive a mark of zero!