Writing a
Lab
Report
Analysis, Conclusion and
Evaluation
 Interpretation
 Experimental
of results
error
 Conclusions
 Areas
for future improvement /
alternatives to design
Analysis
 The
most interesting section of your lab
report!
 This
section must be original!
There shouldn’t be the need for many
references in this section!
 Questions



to ask
What was observed?
How does the data related to greater
concepts/ideas covered in class
What was the experimental error
Statements to avoid….
 The
experiment went well…
 Our results were good because...
 The
temperature cooled a lot.
 There was a big drop in temperature.
Instead…
 Between
t=Xs and t=Ys, the temperature
of Lauric acid cooled from X°C to Y°C.
From this figure, we can calculate an
average rate of cooling.
 Average
rate of cooling = (T2 – T1)/ (t2-t1)
It’s okay to make mistakes!
 Mention
it while you’re explaining your
data.
 People don’t have to be perfect all the
time, don’t ignore errors!

Random Error
These can be mistakes and human error

Systematic Error
These can be difficult to detect
Include things like poor calibration (i.e. was the
temperature reading the ‘true’ temperature).
Experimental Error
 How
to calculate:
Percent Error = [Actual Value – Theoretical Value] * 100
Theoretical Value
Conclusion
 This
only needs to be 2-3 sentences.
 Tie
it back to your original statement in the
introduction (Answer your question)
 Do
not summarize your results again
 Do
not present any new ideas
Evaluation
 Suggestions
for improving results should
the experiment is conducted again.