APES LAB WRITE UP
In this class we will adhere to the standard format. Deviations will cost you points. The following section headings in all
capitals should start each section in your paper; for example, you should title the sections: “TITLE PAGE”, “INTRODUCTION”
(INCLUDING PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS), “DATA:”, “CALCULATIONS:”, “DATA ANALYSIS:”, “CONCLUSION:”.
Although you compile data with your lab partners, your lab paper is strictly your own. Copying anything other than
the data will earn both you and the other person(s) a zero.
Your lab papers must follow the following format:
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title, lab date, and first page number of rough data and formal lab write up.
ROUGH DATA: This data is written however you like. This is rough info and notes.
TITLE PAGE : Includes lab title, names of group members, class period, and date lab performed
INTRODUCTION: (Should be labeled as such in your notebook). In paragraph form – Do not use numbers but be sure to cover each
area thoroughly.
1. State the PURPOSE of the lab. What concepts are important to understanding your experiment? Indicate what you hope to
learn (purpose) and what is your hypothesis. (Identify it as the hypothesis.) You may use “If/Then” statements.
MATERIALS: List the materials that you used in your lab.
Include a drawing of lab set up and label parts when needed
PROCEDURE: Give a brief description of step by step of the procedure to show how the lab was conducted. Describe methods for
control variables and describe methods for collecting the data.
---List steps in Bullet format
DATA: This section should contain a table or chart that has the information you gathered. Sometimes it will contain quantitative
descriptions of what you measured, but sometimes it will contain qualitative observations of what you observed. Points will be taken
off if the table is not constructed of straight ruled lines. You must include titles and units for all tables & charts.
Graphs: Follow all graphing rules. Label axis with titles and units. Even spacing, neat accurate plotting of points, keys to
colors and line identification, and use at least a half a page per graph. My advice is to do it in pencil then overlay in pen to help reduce
messy errors.
DATA ANALYSIS: (worth most of the points): This is where you answer any data analysis questions from the lab instructions.
Students have a difficult time with this section because it calls for you to explain the data. Explanations show you understand the
relationship of the data to what you are learning in class. Construct all graphs needed to show results, must include titles and labels.
Answer all questions from the lab handout and include all equations and calculations. (Show algebraic equations if the experiment
calls for calculations. As in math class, show your work.)
---Write the question and answer or answer in complete sentences.
DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: Write one or two sentences relating you results directly to the purpose.. Restate the purpose.
Explain any unexpected results and why those results may have been obtained. Evaluate the data to determine if it supports your
hypothesis using specific reference to your data. Evaluate the procedure, making suggestions for improvement if needed. Explain any
errors that may have occurred. Identify weaknesses & state realistic improvements.
The lab is due at the tardy bell (for your period) on the due date. If you want to be sure you are heading in the right direction,
I am available to preview your write-up after school before the due date. Write the best paper you can and then we can go over it to
see if you can make any improvements.
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One more reminder, your paper must be:
neat and easy to read
on carbon-copy lab notebook paper
in blue or black ink
organized in the correct order (If you have a separate DATA page, you need to say in the DATA section: “see attached DATA”)
This is your work exclusively (except the lab group’s data).
I expect AP quality work! 