How to Write Science Lab Reports

Support your theories with evidence.

Proving and disproving ideas is a part of everyday life. Regardless of the idea, evidence is required to prove or disprove the idea. Science has a more methodical way of providing proof for an idea or question. Knowing how to test the truth of a theory or idea requires time, research, knowledge and proof. Discussing all answers that develop during the process requires an open mind and honesty.

Instructions

1. Write a title that summarizes the subject of the lab. Keep the title clear and concise.

2. State the purpose of the scientific study in the Purpose Section. A single, concise statement of the major purposes of the study addresses one of the following questions. What question is the study meant to answer? What is the study meant to prove or show? What hypothesis is trying to be proved or disproved?

3. List the materials and how to perform the study in the Procedure Section. Be precise. Someone else should be able to replicate the study following the directions listed. Include information about the data used such as the Internet. Include key term definitions.

4. Write a summary of the final data in the Data Section. Record anything unusual, which could have affected the results. Record the data in this section. Title and provide legends for graphs and tables. Information provided in the graphs and tables should be understandable without the use of the entire report.

5. Discuss the results of the experiment in the Results Section. Tables, calculations and figures are found in this section. State any significant results in written form. Graphics should be clear, labeled and easily read. Tables and graphs require titles and numbers.

6. Explain the observations and results in the Discussion Section. Discuss the significance of each conclusion and if the conclusion is reasonable. Provide evidence to support the conclusion. Answer any questions asked in the lab instructions. Use references to support the analyses. Indicate whether the expected results were achieved or not.

Tips & Warnings

• Support for the hypothesis must be provided based upon research or knowledge. A hypothesis is an educated prediction.

• In the procedure section, think about a cookbook when writing; cookbooks are written so others can produce the same results.

• Use the questions as a guide. Writing a single sentence to answer each question does not mean the report is done.

References

• "Fun-Science-Project-Ideas": Lab Report Format
• "Writing to Demonstrate Learning": Traditional Lab Reports