Lab Report
Your lab should include the following sections.
Cover page: This page should include the title, a picture (pertaining to the lab report), your name, your lab partners’ names (first and last), due date, period and teacher’s name. Your name should go first and should be bold-faced. Include an original title for the report. The title should be descriptive and indicate what the lab is about.
Purpose/Introduction: The first paragraph will explain the objective(s) or purpose of the lab. The first sentence should state precisely what you want to do in the lab. In the next paragraph, at least five (5) sentences, give some background information on the topic (definitions, ramifications), units of measure, etc...).
Hypothesis/Variables: Use the “if…then” format. Hypothesis is an educated guess of the outcome based on prior knowledge or observations. Variables (dependent, independent or controlled) give clearer information on what you are trying to find out. For example: density lab-density would be the dependent variable (what you are trying to find); mass and volume of the substance would be the independent variable (what you need to calculate density). The density of the substance is dependent on the mass and volume of the substance.
Materials: This is a list of all materials and equipment being used in this experiment. Include a separate sub-section of safety and disposal.
Procedure: This should be in your own words. Keep it precise and clear and do not forget to list each step. Each step must be numbered. For the first few labs you will be using the procedure given in the lab handout.
Data Analysis: This is the forum to explain, calculate, graph, etc.., using the data as premise. Graph (use graph paper), your mass vs. volume; calculate the density using the density formula, calculate percent error if given actual density. Make sure that you organize your data in a table and graph. You must include quantitative and qualitative data. Graph your quantitative data. Remember, pie graphs should be used for percentages.
Conclusion/Reflections: This is the section where you will give your answer (ex. the density of the substance). If you did not get the correct density and/or did not identify the substance correctly, think about why that happened. What would you do differently next time? This section should be at least a paragraph.
Reference Page: If you include information based on someone’s work, or if you cited facts you must include this final page.
Very Important, read on…
100—You did an awesome job!!! All components outlined above are included and complete.
88—You did great work but there are a few things to work on.
Ø There is 1 incomplete component from above.
80—Your lab report needs work but is not all bad.
Ø There are 2 incomplete components as outlined above.
73—You need to develop your scientific writing skills.
Ø There are 3 incomplete components.
65—Your lab report is incomplete.
Ø There are 4 or more incomplete components
If you are missing a component in your lab report, your grade will decrease to the grade level below based on the rubric above. Incorrect information or formatting within your report will result in a 5-point deduction for each occurrence.
Your lab should include the following sections.
Cover page: This page should include the title, a picture (pertaining to the lab report), your name, your lab partners’ names (first and last), due date, period and teacher’s name. Your name should go first and should be bold-faced. Include an original title for the report. The title should be descriptive and indicate what the lab is about.
Purpose/Introduction: The first paragraph will explain the objective(s) or purpose of the lab. The first sentence should state precisely what you want to do in the lab. In the next paragraph, at least five (5) sentences, give some background information on the topic (definitions, ramifications), units of measure, etc...).
Hypothesis/Variables: Use the “if…then” format. Hypothesis is an educated guess of the outcome based on prior knowledge or observations. Variables (dependent, independent or controlled) give clearer information on what you are trying to find out. For example: density lab-density would be the dependent variable (what you are trying to find); mass and volume of the substance would be the independent variable (what you need to calculate density). The density of the substance is dependent on the mass and volume of the substance.
Materials: This is a list of all materials and equipment being used in this experiment. Include a separate sub-section of safety and disposal.
Procedure: This should be in your own words. Keep it precise and clear and do not forget to list each step. Each step must be numbered. For the first few labs you will be using the procedure given in the lab handout.
Data Analysis: This is the forum to explain, calculate, graph, etc.., using the data as premise. Graph (use graph paper), your mass vs. volume; calculate the density using the density formula, calculate percent error if given actual density. Make sure that you organize your data in a table and graph. You must include quantitative and qualitative data. Graph your quantitative data. Remember, pie graphs should be used for percentages.
Conclusion/Reflections: This is the section where you will give your answer (ex. the density of the substance). If you did not get the correct density and/or did not identify the substance correctly, think about why that happened. What would you do differently next time? This section should be at least a paragraph.
Reference Page: If you include information based on someone’s work, or if you cited facts you must include this final page.
Very Important, read on…
- The pages should be numbered in the bottom right corner. Use the footer for this. Do not number the title page.
- Your font can be Verdana, Cambria, Arial or Times New Roman 12 pt.
- Your margins should be 1” with double spacing between each line.
- There must be a title page. The picture and identifying information must be centered on the cover page. The picture should represent chemistry not just a random picture. Place your name below the picture. If you draw your picture, it must be in color.
- Include a bold-faced heading for each section.
- The hypothesis should be bold-faced.
- As you summarize your research, scientific theories/laws or facts from other sources must be cited within the report. Include citations with your pictures. Example of citing within text, (Elam-Rice, 2012).
- Your lab report must be typed. If you are unable to type your lab report, it should be written on copy paper using blue/black ink. Do not write on the back of the paper. The same requirements for margins and spacing apply to handwritten reports.
- Do not center the contents of the report. Your contents should be left aligned.
100—You did an awesome job!!! All components outlined above are included and complete.
88—You did great work but there are a few things to work on.
Ø There is 1 incomplete component from above.
80—Your lab report needs work but is not all bad.
Ø There are 2 incomplete components as outlined above.
73—You need to develop your scientific writing skills.
Ø There are 3 incomplete components.
65—Your lab report is incomplete.
Ø There are 4 or more incomplete components
If you are missing a component in your lab report, your grade will decrease to the grade level below based on the rubric above. Incorrect information or formatting within your report will result in a 5-point deduction for each occurrence.