Lab Report Format
Title
Purpose
Theory (Background)
•
Common Core 3.5.9-10A: “Cite specific text evidence to support an analysis of science texts”
•
Common Core 3.6.9-10C: “Provide clear and coherent writing appropriate to the task”
Use your book or digital resources to gather the relevant information that is
necessary to successfully complete the objective or purpose of the lab. Integrate
this information into text that maintains the flow of ideas. At times, this section
includes sample calculations. Be sure to cite your resources.
Diagram/Photograph of the equipment set up used in the lab
Data
•
Common Core 3.5.9-10G: “Translate quantitative information in words into a visual form: chart, table,
graph)”
This section typically includes a table/chart. It might also include BYOT
photographs.
Calculations
Calculations should be labeled and then performed. Make sure your answer has the
correct number of significant figures and units.
Conclusion
•
Common Core 3.5.9-10I: Compare and contrast findings in a text to findings in other sources (i.e. lab results)
The conclusion should start with a statement regarding the purpose. If you were
to identify an unknown, state the identity here. Following that should be an indepth analysis of the errors in the lab. The sign on percent error is helpful here.
If you have positive percent error, you have more than you should. If you have
negative percent error, you have less than you should. Look at the data and the
procedure to think of errors.
T. O’Toole
Group Practice
Directions: Examine the following title and purpose statement from a lab. In your
group discuss what types of information should be included in a theory section of a
lab report. The terms are intentionally foreign to you so that you are forced to
consider what a NOVICE scientist would need to know in order to understand the
report. After discussion, use your textbook and/or digital research; integrate the
appropriate information selectively into text so as to maintain the flow of ideas.
Title: Empirical Formula of Copper (II) Chloride
Purpose: Conduct a lab demonstrating proper measurement, analyze laboratory
data, and mathematically determine the composition of a compound
T. O’Toole
Group Practice
Directions: Examine the following title and purpose statement from a lab. In your
group discuss what types of information should be included in a theory section of a
lab report. The terms are intentionally foreign to you so that you are forced to
consider what a NOVICE scientist would need to know in order to understand the
report. After discussion, use your textbook and/or digital research; integrate the
appropriate information selectively into text so as to maintain the flow of ideas.
Title: Colligative Properties
Purpose: Observe the effect of a non-volatile solute on the boiling point of water
T. O’Toole
Group Practice
Directions: Examine the following title and purpose statement from a lab. In your
group discuss what types of information should be included in a theory section of a
lab report. The terms are intentionally foreign to you so that you are forced to
consider what a NOVICE scientist would need to know in order to understand the
report. After discussion, use your textbook and/or digital research; integrate the
appropriate information selectively into text so as to maintain the flow of ideas.
Title: Aluminum Lab
Purpose: Perform a single replacement reaction, and calculate quantities using
molarity and stoichiometry
T. O’Toole
Group Practice
Directions: Examine the following title and purpose statement from a lab. In your
group discuss what types of information should be included in a theory section of a
lab report. The terms are intentionally foreign to you so that you are forced to
consider what a NOVICE scientist would need to know in order to understand the
report. After discussion, use your textbook and/or digital research; integrate the
appropriate information selectively into text so as to maintain the flow of ideas.
Title: Vinegar Titration
Purpose: Titrate a sample of vinegar, graphically determine the endpoint of the
titration, and calculate the percent acetic acid in vinegar
T. O’Toole