How Do I?
How to Write a Biology Lab Report
High School Grade 9
Biology
Purpose
The purpose of this tutorial is to teach students how to develop a well written Biology Lab Report
according to the steps indicated in the required state laboratories. It is essential to understand the
techniques of writing a lab report as a foundation for future science courses and preparedness for
understanding the methodologies of a laboratory based experience. It teaches students the steps in
solving a scientific problem. You can use the linked template to follow the Lab Report format.
Step 1 Title: Create a title that fits your laboratory report.
Step 2 Problem: Write the problem to be determined in the experiment. This is what the
experiment is testing. It is best to begin with the statement “To determine the effect of X on Y”
For example: “The effect of temperature on heart rate”
Step 3 Hypothesis: Write a hypothesis statement based on your prediction of what the outcome of
the experiment will be. Hypotheses are usually “If… , then…” statements.
For example: If I increase the temperature, then the heart rate will increase.
Step 4 Variables: List the independent and dependent variables for the experiment. The
independent variable is the variable that the scientist manipulates in the experiment. The dependent
variable is the responding variable to that change. The independent variable would be the label put
on the X axis of the graph. The dependent variable would be put on the Y axis of the graph.
For example: If one was testing “the effect of temperature on heart rate”. The
temperature would be the independent variable, and the heart rate would be the
dependent variable.
Step 3 Materials: Provide a list of all the laboratory materials used to complete the experiment.
Everything should be listed.
For Example:
Thermometer
Timer
Volunteers
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Step 4 Procedure: List the steps used to complete the experiment. The majority of the procedure
can be found in the laboratory assignment given to the students. It needs to be in detailed form so
that someone else can follow the directions of the experiment and complete it accurately. This can
be written in bulleted or step format.
For example:
Step 1: Obtain materials
Step 2: Gather 20 volunteers.
Step 3: Record the temperature of the room.
Step 4: Take the heart rate in number of beats per minute using a stethoscope. Etc…
The experiment MUST have a control group and experimental group. The control group is the group
in the experiment that is not manipulated in any way. It is used as a comparison in the experiment.
The experimental group is the group that the experimenter manipulates in the experiment.
For example: Control - 10 of the volunteers will have their heart rate recorded at room
temperature. Experimental - 10 of the volunteers will be tested at different
temperatures.
Step 5 Data: Record all numerical data into a table format. The independent variable should be
listed on the left hand column of the table, and the dependent variable should be listed on the right
hand of the column. All units of measurement should be included.
For example:
Temperature (degrees Celsius)
Heart Rate (Beats per minute)
This is the section in which a graph should be included. The students will input the data into
Microsoft Excel just as it is written above. The data can then be selected to put into a line graph by
clicking on the menu bar >insert >line graph. The data will automatically be plotted. The student can
then label the X and y axis and title their graph.
Heartrate (beats
per minute)
Effect of Temperature on Heartrate
80
60
40
20
0
0
10
20
30
40
50
Temperature (degrees Celsius)
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Step 6 Conclusion: Write a conclusion. The conclusion should include whether or not the
experiment supported or refuted the original hypothesis. It should also include detailed quantitative
support from the data that was collected in the experiment. This part of the report should be at least
a paragraph in length.
In the next paragraph the student should include at least three errors from the experiment. This
allows the student to review the experiment and determine if there are any ways the procedure could
have been more complete, or any obvious errors in measurement or data collection. They should
also include how they could improve upon the experiment if they were to repeat the experiment. This
part of the report should be at least a paragraph in length.
NY State Learning Standards Addressed
► ELA Standard 1
Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding
Key Idea 1 - Listening and Reading
Grade Specific Performance Indicators:
• Locate and use school and public library resources for information and research
- define a purpose for reading by asking questions about what they need to know for their research
• Read and follow written, complex directions and procedures to solve problems and accomplish tasks
- demonstrate task awareness by employing flexible strategies
• Interpret and evaluate data, facts, and ideas in informational texts, such as national newspapers, online and
electronic databases, and websites
• Distinguish verifiable statement from hypothesis, and assumption and facts from opinion, with assistance
Amy Russell, Grade 9 Biology, Schenectady City School District, russella@schenectady.k12.ny.us
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Schenectady City Schools
Copyright©2005