Chemistry Lab Conclusion Guidelines
For a two-paragraph conclusion, use the following outline, adapting the questions to fit the laboratory
investigation.
Paragraph One: Background Information and Statement of Hypothesis
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What is the purpose of the lab? Is there any background information that is necessary for the
investigation?
What reaction were you examining? What type of reaction was it? Include observations of the
different states of matter. Write the equation if appropriate.
How did you use the lab equipment to study this reaction? (ex: The percent composition lab was
based on a decomposition reaction. The Bunsen burner was used to heat the potassium chlorate
until it decomposed into solid potassium chloride and gaseous oxygen.)
Was there a hypothesis for the lab? There will either be a hypothesis or piece of data that you are
trying to collect.
Paragraph Two:
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Describe the results you collected. Give me the numbers. Ex-The density was found to be 3.67g/mL.
Were you close to the accepted value? Include percent error or percent yield information.
Discuss two sources of error related to performing the lab. (I do not want to read about incorrect
calculations. If you think your calculations are incorrect, then fix them before you turn in the lab )
What did you learn in the lab or how would you do this lab differently if you had another chance?
Notes:
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No PRONOUNS!! A lab report is like a paper in English. No: I, we, you, etc.
All paragraphs should be at least 5 sentences, although you will not answer every question for ever
lab.
Spell the equipment correctly. Refer to the laboratory equipment page in your lab book.
You may use formulas to refer to the chemicals, but otherwise write out the words: ex percent error
NOT % error.
Following your two conclusion paragraphs, you should answer the conclusion questions in complete
sentences. Questions should not be typed, just make sure your answers reflect the question being
asked.
All paragraphs should be typed using Times New Roman, 12 pt. font.
Read your conclusion aloud to yourself before turning it in. If you are worried that you might make a
mistake, then skip lines when you write your conclusion so you will have room to make corrections.
Check spelling and grammar!