How to Write a Density Lab Report
Writing a quality lab report will take both training and experience. Each university will require a different format yet the main information is usually similar. For instance, a density lab report will need to include ideas about mass and volume. The idea of a lab report is to communicate enough information for someone else to be able to repeat the experiment and for them to know what results to expect by looking at your observations along the way. Write it as if you were a scientist who is performing experiments, on the verge of a breakthrough, and may need to go back and evaluate your results with a new and better understanding of the phenomena.
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Instructions
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Begin with a title at the top of your lab notebook page. Include a purpose statement immediately below the title. It should be about one to three sentences long and include why specifically you are doing the experiment and what you hope to learn from it. This should include information about what density is and how you will verify it.
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Write a detailed list--about 10 to 15 steps--you will perform to test what you set out to understand in the purpose. This should be a step-by-step account (the procedure you will use) so that, at any time, you could repeat the experiment just by looking in your notebook. This section can usually be reworded from your experiment book.
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Some reports require a safety section. Include that here. In the case of the density lab, there are not really any safety hazards unless you are working with lead.
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Record the data that you collect during the lab. This should include masses and volumes that you measured. Remember to include particular measurements that you took, as well as a description of everything you used. A drawing or two could also be useful. A data table may also be appropriate.
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Write in important mathematical calculations and chemical equations used. This includes actually working them out, using your calculator when necessary. Any graphs should be explained and units should be used. Include axis labels and write down the conclusions you draw from these results.
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Include a discussion that answers the main questions you set out to find the answers to. Discuss possible sources of error here as well as the reasoning behind your conclusions. This should include any errors associated with graduated cylinder readings and mass measurements. Be sure to include a statement that encapsulates all your results, an over-arching principle that you have learned.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask for examples of outstanding lab reports to get an idea of what is expected. Each instructor will want to see different things. It may take some time to feel out exactly what is desired.
