How to Write a Science Lab Report

Writing a scientific lab report means accomplishing many things in one report. A lab report should outline what the point of the lab work is as well as the way it's carried out and what was found. A lab report must be clear, concise and written with the intended audience in mind.

Instructions

1. Describe the theory that the lab activity seeks to explore or prove. Write the specific points of the theory clearly, along with any possible problems that could arise during the course of the activity.

2. Compose a list of everything one needs to conduct the experiment. Make specific notations about the sizes and shapes of the objects one needs so that another person can reproduce the procedure.

3. List the steps of the procedure in order. Draw a flow chart or other diagram to make complex procedures simpler, if necessary.

4. Elaborate on each step in detail. Imagine that someone is attempting to reproduce the experiment using only your lab report.

5. Write a section for the results of the procedure. Include a summation of the expected results along with what actually did happen. Point out anything that went wrong during the originally planned experiment that you changed to reach the desired result.

6. End the lab report by writing a conclusion. Include the practical applications of the experiment along with whether you proved your original theory. Write about any further theories you have concerning the experiment such as what would have happened if you used slightly different items.

Tips & Warnings

• Cite any references, if applicable.