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Lab Write Up Guidelines

A lab write up should look like this: "what is there to be learned from doing the experiment?" "there is no right or wrong answer. It's strictly what "you think" and "why you think this" "preferably the steps are sequentially listed in the order they need to be followed" "the least little mistake or detail left out could be critical to the outcome of the experiment"

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karenleyland
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2K views

Lab Write Up Guidelines

A lab write up should look like this: "what is there to be learned from doing the experiment?" "there is no right or wrong answer. It's strictly what "you think" and "why you think this" "preferably the steps are sequentially listed in the order they need to be followed" "the least little mistake or detail left out could be critical to the outcome of the experiment"

Uploaded by

karenleyland
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What should your lab write up look like??

I. PURPOSE:
What is the reason for doing the experiment or what is there to
be learned from doing the experiment?

II. HYPOTHESIS:
What "you think" will be the final outcome of the experiment.
This is generally based on prior knowledge or observations. In
other words, you are not just pulling this "out of thin air"; you
have some logical reason for thinking this. If you have no prior
knowledge of the concept, you will need to do research before
making a hypothesis. Also, explain exactly "why you think this".
REMEMBER! There is no right or wrong answer. It's strictly what
"you think" and "why you think this".

III. MATERIALS:
A list of equipment and supplies that will be needed to complete
the lab procedure. List the major pieces of equipment first.
Example, microscope, triple beam balance, 1000 mL graduated
cylinder, etc. Next list common supplies, such as string, paper
clips, consumables such as vinegar, and baking soda, etc.

IV. PROCEDURE:

1. The step by step process that is followed in carrying out the


experiment. Preferably, the steps are sequentially listed in the
order they need to be followed to complete the experiment
successfully. Be very exact with each step in case someone else
wants to repeat your procedure. It's like telling someone how to
find your house. The least little mistake or detail left out could be
critical to the outcome of the experiment.
2. Using the safety symbols, identify any precautions that may
need to be followed in completing this experiment. (You will find
the safety symbols in the front of your textbook).
3. Identify the variables in the experiment:
o Controlled - factors that remain constant throughout the
experiment.
o Independent - the one factor that will be manipulated or
changed during the experiment.
o Dependent - the variable that becomes altered as a result
of the change that was made in the independent variable.

V. OBSERVATIONS:
Scientists record observations in journals or logs. Observations are
never destroyed once recorded.

Observations are of two categories:

• Qualitative - information gathered through the senses such as


smell, taste, touch, hear, shape, etc.
• Quantitative - information gathered due to precise
measurements, such as height in cm, width in cm, mass in g,
volume in cm3, density in g/cm3, time in seconds, speed in kph,
etc.

Observations are organized in:

• Data tables or charts.


• Graphs are visual representations of the data so that it can be
easily studied, interpreted, and analyzed. Circle, bar, and line are
examples of kinds of graphs.

VI. CONCLUSION:
This is a written summary of what was actually learned from
doing the experiment. The conclusion will either support or reject
the proposed hypothesis. The following is a three paragraph (a
paragraph is 3-5 sentences) format to follow in writing an
appropriate conclusion. The outline is a guide to help you include
the necessary information. Adhere to ALL writing rules in
completing this conclusion (double space if you are typing). Treat
it as though you were writing a three paragraph essay in your LA
class. Elaboration is ALWAYS the key! INCLUDE THESE
"ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS" IN WRITING EACH PARAGRAPH:
1. Paragraph One:
o In your own words describe the purpose of the
experiment.
o Discuss any new terms that were relevant to
understanding and conducting the investigation.
2. Paragraph Two:
o Restate your hypothesis and your reasoning for this
prediction.
o Summarize the lab procedure.
o Explain the setup of the lab, control/variable, etc.
o Describe safety precautions.
3. Paragraph Three
o Describe the outcome of the experiment and how it
relates to your hypothesis (supports or rejects).
o Refer to your data tables, graphs, etc. in assessing
the data because actual data from your observations
is a "must" in forming a conclusion.
o BE VERY SPECIFIC!
o From your analysis, point out certain trends or
patterns that support your conclusion.

• In conclusion, explain exactly what was/was not


accomplished or learned from doing the lab.
• Give a detailed description of how you were able to
determine the above.
• Were there any hidden variables that may have affected
the reliability of the data ... explain?
• What suggestions could you make to improve the reliability
of the data? How relevant or useful was this lab in your
understanding of the current topic or concept.

Scoring Guide
Purpose & Total
Materials Procedure Observations Conclusion
Hypotheses Points
15 pts. 5 pts. 10 pts. 10 pts. 20 pts. 60

• 100% - ALL Data is complete and accurate


• 80% - MOST data is complete and accurate, however, a few
mistakes were made
• 50% - SOME mistakes were made, data lacks completeness
and/or accuracy
• 20% - MANY mistakes were made, almost totally
incomplete and/or inaccurate
• 0% - NO attempt was made to complete this section and/or
totally inaccurate

http://teachertech.rice.edu/Participants/dukerich/FTPRoot/GirlTech_web/Participants/louviere/Le
ssons/les1.html

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