Lab Report Formats
Labs will be performed in groups of 3-5 people. Labs reports are divided into 3 types:
Activities: Each person will complete the exercises as described and turn in a report. In this report there is no
particular format – it will usually be a series of sketches and short answers.
Informal lab reports: Only one report will be turned in per group, to be written jointly by the group.
Formal lab reports: Each person will write and turn in their own lab report.
Formats for informal lab reports and formal lab reports are on the next pages.
INFORMAL Lab Reports – turn in one per group.
An informal lab report may be typed or handwritten using blue or black ink. All names in the group should be
listed. All members should contribute to the performance of the lab and production of the report.
Purpose
One or two complete sentences stating the purpose or asking a question.
Procedure
Briefly describe the procedure, making it clear to the reader what you did so that the
activity is repeatable. Make sure to use complete sentences. A labeled sketch is helpful.
Data
Data table is clearly labeled with column headings and units.
Measurements should be accurate.
Use the correct number of significant figures.
Analysis
Show a sample calculation using trial 1 data, starting with an original equation.
Show a force diagram if necessary
Use the correct number of significant figures.
If a graph is relevant, neatly sketch the graph from your computer display. Show the
trends and label the axes, including numbers and units.
Conclusion
Reiterate your final values
Did you achieve the purpose given?
If you did the experiment again, what would you do differently?
Don’t mention human error.
Presentation
In class on a whiteboard. You will be asked to defend your work and about sources
of uncertainty.
FORMAL Lab Reports – turn in one per person
Format
Neatly typed or written in blue or black ink.
Mistakes neatly crossed out. No scratching out.
Graphing is done with a ruler and graph paper, or a program that can be manipulated to
give the information needed.
Graphs are appropriate size so that data can be examined.
Purpose
Several complete sentences in which you state the purpose of the lab or ask a question.
Procedure
A paragraph, usually with a labeled sketch, outlines the main steps of the experiment so that
the lab is repeatable. All measured quantities are identified along with how the quantities
are measured (distance – a ruler was used to measure the distance between point A and
point B). Use complete sentences.
Data
Data table is clearly labeled with column headings and units.
Measurements should be accurate.
Include correct units.
Use the correct number of significant figures.
Analysis
Show a sample calculation using date from trial 1, starting with an original equation.
Show a force diagram if necessary
Use the correct number of significant figures.
Make a table if many calculations are made.
If a graph is relevant:
The points are plotted accurately
The curve is appropriate to the data trend.
Scales are included with units
Axes are labeled with correct variables
The graph has a title
Slope or curve-fitting information is given on or near the graph
If the graph was originally done on the computer it can be copied and pasted into your
document.
Conclusion
Reiterate your final values.
Did you achieve the purpose given?
Sources of error or uncertainty are thoughtfully discussed.
Don’t mention human error.