AP Biology
Mrs. Kelsey
2009-2010
AP Biology Laboratory Regulations
Laboratory work is an integral part of AP Biology. Labs provide excellent hands-on
learning experiences. In addition to the twelve mandatory AP labs, we will conduct
as many other labs as possible. These labs will help you better understand the
information learned during readings and class lectures.
Lab Safety
Many AP Biology labs require the use of harmful chemicals and organisms. During
the first week of class, you and your parent/guardian must sign a lab safety contract. I
will receive one copy of the contract, and you will keep the other copy in your class
binder. If the contract is not signed, you will not be permitted to conduct any labs,
and will consequently earn a zero for each lab.
Proper laboratory attire is very important! If you are not dressed appropriately for a
lab, you will not be permitted to conduct the experiment, and will consequently earn
a zero for the lab. Always wear closed-toe shoes and long pants; tie back long hair
and roll up loose sleeves. Lab apron, goggles, and/or gloves may also be necessary.
Lab Notebook
Your laboratory notebook must be a Meade Composition book. Try to find one that
has graph paper instead of lined paper. You do not want a book that has tear-away
pages. The binding tends to be very poor, and the pages fall out.
Lab Format
On the next page, you will find an informal lab report format. This should be written
in your lab notebook in pen. Tables and graphs must be drawn/taped in your
notebook. You may write on both sides of the paper. Skip one entire page between
labs. Start a new lab report on the right side of the notebook. Number all pages. The
first few pages of your notebook should be a Table of Contents, listing every lab, page
number, and date.
The day of a lab, you need your pre-lab completed so that you can write the results in
your notebook during the experiment. This will save you time in the long run.
Immediately following the lab, write up your conclusion while it’s still fresh in your
mind.
AP Biology
Mrs. Kelsey
2009-2010
Your name
Lab partner(s)
Title of Lab
Lab # (for AP Labs only)
Date(s) Completed
The following should be completed prior to the lab:
Objective:
(What is the purpose of the lab, in my own words?)
Materials:
(What equipment/materials does my group need?)
Safety Concerns: (Am I using any chemicals? Are there any organisms
involved? What precautions should I take? What safety equipment should I wear?
What will I do if an accident occurs?)
Hypothesis: (After reading the lab and having an understanding of its purpose,
what do I think will happen? “If, then…” This is based on prior knowledge! Look
back in your notes or textbook for help.)
Procedure:
Control group: (What am I comparing my results to?)
Experimental group(s): (What is being experimented on?)
Independent variable: (What variable is being changed between the
control and experimental groups?)
Constants: (What other variables are remaining constant between the
control and experimental groups?)
The following should be completed during the lab:
Data:
(Tables and graphs only, please!)
Errors: (What human errors were made during the lab? Keep in mind –
something that may seem insignificant at first, can alter data in the end.)
The following should be completed immediately after the experiment:
Conclusion: (Does the data show a pattern? Are the results expected? Does the
data support my hypothesis? Explain. Did any of the errors affect my results? How
could I change this experiment to expand my research?)
Analysis Questions: (Write the question and answer to all
analysis/conclusion questions in the lab.)