Writing a Formal Lab Conclusion
 A formal lab conclusion should be a written as three paragraphs.

Each group member must write their own conclusion.
 Your conclusion should be typed or NEATLY hand-written.
 The conclusion should be written using formal English. Good conventions (grammar, spelling, mechanics, etc.) are expected. No abbreviations of words, however, you may abbreviate units like mL or g.
 Due date _______________________________
Your Conclusion:
 Must be written in three paragraphs as outlined below. The following bullet points should help form the sentences to construct each paragraph.
Paragraph 1: Answer to the Problem
 Explain the relevant vocabulary/concepts that are necessary to understand the experiment.
 Summarize how you conducted the experiment and what you learned.
 According to your data, what is the answer to the problem or purpose of the lab?
Paragraph 2: Interpretation of Data
 Compare the data. Does the data support your hypothesis?
 Explain whether or not the group hypothesis was proven correct. If the hypothesis was incorrect, suggest a new hypothesis to test.

Use the data as examples or support for your findings.
 Discuss sources of error in the experiment and how these errors may have impacted your results. The errors you mention should be errors that you can do something about, not mystical errors that probably didn’t happen.
Paragraph 3: Recommendation for Readers

Be as creative as you wish in your paper towel recommendation to the readers.

What brand of paper towel would you recommend to the readers to buy? Support your reasoning.
 Consider how price factors in: o Would you use less paper towels if they were more absorbent? o Is it better to buy cheap paper towels and use more squares or buy expensive paper towels and use less squares? Explain.
Lab Conclusion Do’s and Don’ts:
Do
Do make sentences short and clear. Do not be afraid
Don’t
Do not personalize- don’t use words like: I, we, of word repetitions. It is a report, not lyrics.
Do include units when mentioning a numerical result from your data.
Do research that can support your results. Site the reference sources you use.
me, or my.
Do not include generic sentences like, “science is fun,” “this is a report describing an experiment” or
“I learned a lot”.
Do check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
Do not use abbreviations for words.
Do read your report at least once. Ideally, ask someone to read it.
Do not wait until the day before the due date to start writing your conclusion.

Lab Conclusion Scoring Rubric
Part I: Paper Towel Lab: Using the Scientific Method totaling 20 points
Lab Components
Score:____/1 Step 1: Problem Statement
Score:____/2 Step 2: Background Information
Score:____/2 Step 3: Hypothesis
Score:____/3 Variables
Score:____/2 Step 4: Experimental Procedure
Score:____/3 Data Table
Score:____/7 Step 5: Graph
Part II: Lab Conclusion Rubric: Each requirement is worth 2 points totaling 30 points
Included
Conclusion Components
Yes / No
Paragraph 1: Answer to the Problem

Relevant vocabulary to the experiment is defined

How the experiment was conducted is summarized

The answer or solution to the problem is stated
 The knowledge learned from the experiment is conveyed.
Score:____/8
Paragraph 2: Interpretation of Data

The hypothesis is discussed as correct or incorrect

Data from the experiment is included


Sources of error and how these errors may have impacted the results are discussed
Score:____/8
Paragraph 3: Recommendation for Readers

A paper towel brand is recommended

The recommendation is supported

Price is mentioned as a consideration

Additional information is mentioned by the group
Score:____/8
Conclusion Requirements

Spelling and grammar are correct

Words like I, we, my, or our are avoided

The conclusion is thorough and meaningful
Score:____/6
Total Score: ______ / 50 Points