Research question- must be very specific and focused
The following sections need to be included in your lab report, and should be labeled as such!
Title:
Must clearly and accurately reflect the major emphasis of your experiment and prepare readers for the information you present. {Example: The effect of (independent variable) on (dependent variable).}
Background Information:
This introductory section contains relevant information pertaining to your investigation. It should be a flowing discussion of pertinent vocabulary words and concepts. You are basically convincing the reader that you are educated on the topic. All information should be cited using MLA standard methods!
Design:
Data Collection and Processing:
Conclusion and Evaluation:
References:
The following sections need to be included in your lab report, and should be labeled as such!
Title:
Must clearly and accurately reflect the major emphasis of your experiment and prepare readers for the information you present. {Example: The effect of (independent variable) on (dependent variable).}
Background Information:
This introductory section contains relevant information pertaining to your investigation. It should be a flowing discussion of pertinent vocabulary words and concepts. You are basically convincing the reader that you are educated on the topic. All information should be cited using MLA standard methods!
Design:
- Hypothesis- stated “If…then…because” Remember the “because” is CRITICAL!
- Variables- identify the IV (and levels), DV, and all controlled variables (constants)
- Diagram- draw the set-up or take a picture if necessary
- Procedure- paragraph form, passive voice, and past tense (should be cited if you are borrowing a procedure from somewhere!)
Data Collection and Processing:
- Raw Data Table – must include raw data ONLY. Design and clarity is critical. All tables should have titles. Check that all columns are headed and units given. A complete table should fit on one page – do not “leak over” to another page.
- Data Processing –
- Overview: how and why did you decide to process and present the data this way?
- Sample calculation: neatly lay out and explain one example only of each manipulation that was done to the raw data.
- Presentation includes BOTH data tables and graphs
- data tables of processed data: must include a title specific to its contents (NOT “Data Table 1”), columns and rows should have headings, units should be listed, uncertainty (required for IB courses only)
- graphs of processed data: give careful consideration to the types of graphs you use, must include a title specific to the data presented, axes should be labeled (with units), axes should be properly scaled, best fit line/ trend line should be drawn, legend, error bars (required for IB courses only).
Conclusion and Evaluation:
- Conclusion: Discuss the results of your experiment. Discuss whether your data support or refute your hypothesis. Specifically refer to your graphs!
- Limitations of experimental design: how well did your experimental design help you answer your experimental question? What worked well and why? What didn’t work well and why? You could also discuss outliers here.
- Suggestions for improvements: What would you do differently next time?
References:
- All book, journals, websites, etc. used in the report must be listed here.