Formal Lab Write-up Format
Mr. Aufort
For most of our labs you will be required to do a formal lab write-up. You will need to use this
format whenever you do a formal lab.
You will take notes in class during the actual lab; the formal write-up will be homework. The
formal write-up must be done in ink, and completely on graph paper (never ever lined notebook
paper), or on computer (graph paper can be used for hand-drawn graphs if your computer does
not have a graphing program). Please use complete sentences. Neatness and thoroughness are
very important. If I can not read your work, I can not grade it.
The lab must follow this exact order, and is broken down into these six sections (include the title
of the section on your lab write-up if it is underlined here):
Name:
Name, date and period should be in the upper, right-hand corner.
Title:
The name of the lab should be at the top, center of your paper.
Purpose:
State the purpose of the lab in one sentence. (What is the point of
the lab?) The purpose will always have a basis in science.
Hypothesis:
In one sentence, state the hypothesis in the “if, then” format.
Example: If the volume of a cell becomes larger, then the total
surface area will decrease. Be SURE to keep the hypothesis to
the science in the lab.
Procedure:
Most of our labs will be done from handouts. Since the procedures are
already written out, you do not need to re-write them on your paper.
Instead, state the following: See handout “Examining Bacteria.”
(NOTE: Insert the correct name of the lab you are doing.) Be sure to put
the title in quotation marks.
Results and
Observations:
This is the section where you tell me what happened during the
lab. This section is composed of three parts:
 The first thing under this section MUST be some narrative (in
paragraph form) regarding the lab… state what went
wrong, any major changes you made, etc. DO NOT restate the
procedures. If nothing went wrong, just say so.
 Next, put all graphs, tables, drawings, (i.e. any data
presentation). Drawings must be at least 6cm in size. All
graphs, drawings etc., should be done in pencil (unless on
computer) and colored. Include microscope magnification
 where appropriate. Graphs and tables should be no smaller than
one-half page in size. Remember margins!
 Third, answer any questions that are one the lab. Do not re-write
the questions, and do not put the question in the answer.
Conclusion:
The conclusion should be the absolute very last thing (!!!!!) in your lab.
Please do not include any opinions. Address these four points in
paragraph form (i.e. four parts in conclusion):
 Restate the purpose (same a purpose on first page).
 State what you learned that you did not know before (regarding
the SCIENCE from the lab).
 Relate the science in the lab to life in the real world. In other
words, use the SCIENCE of what the lab was about to make a
connection with life outside class. Check the purpose if you
need a reminder of the science in the lab. Do NOT talk about
job or school related thing!
 A statement that supports that the lab served its purpose.
Example: This lab served the purpose because it clearly
demonstrated the relationship between volume and surface area.
Grading Rubric
1
Little info included;
missing parts
3
Partially complete; some
questions answered
incorrectly or not at all
Slightly messy; most of
format correct
Some data included
5
All info included; all
Content
questions answered and
correct
Sloppy; format not
Lab is neat and follows
Format /
followed
correct format
Neatness
Little or no data given
All data presented;
Data
expectations followed
presentation
Some of conclusion or
Conclusion complete and
Conclusion No conclusion or
incomplete
incorrect part(s)
correct
Final grade will be determined by adding up scores and multiplying by three (3) for a total
possible of 60 points. To help clarify:
Content:
Includes all information required for lab, including all parts of all sections
and any changes or problems. All content area is expected to be correct.
Format /
Neatness:
The format for the lab write-up is followed in correct order. The lab is
neat and easy to read. There should be no spelling or grammatical mistakes.
Data
All data collected in the lab is included. This includes observations and any
Presentation: charts shown in handouts. Graphs must be complete and correct. Drawings
must be appropriate size and color, and include labels and magnification if
needed.
Conclusion:
Conclusion must be in paragraph form (with four parts as listed above), and use
complete sentences. All the points must be addressed appropriately and
completely.