AP BIOLOGY LAB REPORT GUIDELINES
The following is the lab report format that is suggested by the College Board under the new AP Biology
curriculum. This should serve as a guide for you to write EVERY LAB REPORT this year. During
introductory discussions on the labs, you will have a chance to ask questions, clarify steps so they
properly apply to the lab that we are doing. Asking questions, clarifications is your job, failing to do so,
will make your job a lot more difficult and stressful, so be sure that you pay attention, take this very
seriously and ask questions when needed.
The basic format of the lab report with proper scoring guidelines: (A suggestion: next to the score
value, you have enough room to check off the section once you completed it.)
Title
Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Procedures
Results/Data
collection/Analysis
Concisely explains the purpose of the lab
investigation (like: The Effect of Additional Nitrogen
Fertilizers on the Growth Rate of Corn) (not like:
Lab 7)
A summary of the lab investigation (what you are
doing and why). Use complete sentences for this.
The abstract should not be longer than 100 words.
 Background information (about 3-5
complete sentences on the scientific
background that you are applying during
the lab)
 Purpose of investigation (how you apply
the background information to answer a
specific question)
 Hypothesis (must be a statement not a
question, can be an” if ….. then” kind of
statement).
 All necessary materials listed with the
proper numbers and sizes
 Clearly stated procedure with bullet points
 Data recorded in tables (the tables must be
titled, calculations completed, proper units
are determined)
 Graphs (X-Y and histograms) present (with
proper title, axes correctly labeled, dots
connected in line graphs)
 Statistical analysis (mean, median, mode,
range, standard deviation, standard error ,
probability or chi square analysis if
required)
3 points
3 points
5 points
5 points
5 points
5 points
5 points
10 points
15 points
5 - 10 points
(depending on the
lab)
Conclusions /Discussions
Questions
Literature cited
Correct use of language
Use complete, concise sentences for this
section
 Results summarized
 Errors identified
 Results compared to hypothesis
 Conclusions stated/results interpreted
(possible patterns determined)
 Suggestions for improvement
What are the questions for further investigations?
What new questions arise from the results of the
investigation?
 Accurately cited all resources
 Grammar
 Punctuation
 Spelling
 Neatness
2 points
2 points
2 points
10 points
4 points
8 points
4 points
1 point
1 point
1 point
2 points
You will get a similarly formatted score sheet with each of your laboratory report and your scores will be
recorded on these. Please note that each of the labs will have a point value that can be as high as 100
points. Each of these labs counts as a quiz grade or 30 % of your overall grade.
LAB REPORT SCORING SHEET
Title
Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Procedures
Results/Data
collection/Analysis
Conclusions /Discussions
Questions
Literature cited
Correct use of language
Concisely explains the purpose of the lab
investigation
A summary of the lab investigation (what you are
doing and why). Use complete sentences for this.
The abstract should not be longer than 100 words.
 Background information
 Purpose of investigation
 Hypothesis
 All necessary materials listed with the
proper numbers and sizes
 Clearly stated procedure with bullet points
 Data recorded in tables
 Graphs
 Statistical analysis
Use complete, concise sentences for this
section
 Results summarized
 Errors identified
 Results compared to hypothesis
 Conclusions stated/results interpreted
 Suggestions for improvement
What are the questions for further investigations?
What new questions arise from the results of the
investigation?
 Accurately cited all resources
 Grammar
 Punctuation
 Spelling
 Neatness
3/_______
3/_______
5/_______
5/_______
5/_______
5/_______
5/_______
10/______
15/______
10/______
2/______
2/______
2 /______
10/_____
4/______
8/______
4/_____
1/_____
1/_____
1/_____
2/_____