Formal Lab Reports

Section 1: Title Page


The title of your research/lab should be included on a separate page. You may wish to include pictures or graphs relative to your research.

Section 2: Abstract (Grade 7 and 8)


This section consists of a summary (in your own words) of the important material. It is designed to catch the attention and interest of the reader. Usually the topics requiring explanation will be apparent after reading the results and conclusion sections.

Section 3: Problem Statement


A problem statement is a statement of the reason/rationale for the experimentation---a statement of the situation.

Section 4: Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a proposition stated as a basis for argument or reasoning. This statement(s) should be the rational behind your research. It should express expected results for your experiment.

Section 5: Materials


A list of materials actually used should be included here.

Section 6: Procedure


The procedure should describe a step-by-step description of actions taken during the experiment. Although a lab protocol may have been followed, the procedure as recorded here should describe only what was actually done.

Section 7: Data & Observation


Qualitative and quantitative information should be listed in this section in chart form. Any drawings or pictorial data should be presented here.

Section 8: Results


In this section you will present the specific results of the lab experiment.

Section 9: Analysis & Calculations


Graphical representations of data and mathematical analogues/formulae should be included in this section.

Section 10: Questions


Answers to any specific questions given in lab procedure or by your teacher should be answered here. Each question should be answered using complete sentences and labeled accordingly (ie., Q1., Q2., etc.).

Section 11: Conclusions


A conclusion is an interpretation of the lab process and procedure in paragraph form. Use this section to explain the operation of the investigation written in the lab. You should explain the goals of the assignment. Sometimes the purpose of an assignment is spelled out in the first paragraph, but not always.

Section 12: Literature Cited


This section should be a list of the resources that you used in your report and during your investigation. The list should include the sources of your information.

Section 13: Sources of Error (Grade 8)


Use this section to explain possible sources of error during the investigation.


Brief Lab Reports

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