Template for Lab Reports

For more information, see the Rubric for Grading Lab Reports
Use paragraph format for the introduction and conclusion [use the universal graphic organizer to prewrite and edit your rough draft]

Name(s):
Date:
Period:

Lab Title:

Introduction

• State the purpose of the lab.
• Summarize literature and/or research relating to this experiment.
• Cite sources of information.
• State your hypothesis in the "If ___, then ___" format. (If a chemical reaction is involved, write the balanced equation showing the predicted products in their predicted amounts)
• Download MSDS sheet(s) for the reactants used in this lab, study these, and attach MSDS sheets to your lab report.
• State risks and safety measures to be taken.

Materials and Methods

• List all materials (with amounts) and equipment used.
• Include a labeled diagram of assembled equipment.
• Include a numbered list of step-by-step procedures to follow.

Data and Discussion

• If you collect quantitative data, organize it into tables. If you collect qualitative data, organize it into logs with date/time entries.
• If applicable, include a labeled graph of data showing trends.
• Show all math used in calculations.
• Answer any questions asked during the laboratory procedure.

Conclusion

• Summarize experiment.
• Use logic based on data trends to state whether your hypothesis was supported by data.
• Identify possible sources of error.
• Suggest further experiments if applicable.