Descriptive Lab Report Guide
Descriptive Lab Report Guide
Directions
Now that the lab is complete, it is time to write your lab report. The purpose of this guide is to help you write a
clear and concise report that summarizes the lab you have just completed.
The lab report is composed of two sections:
Section I: Overview of Investigation
o Provide background information.
o Summarize the procedure.
To help you write your lab report, you will first answer the four questions listed below based on the lab that you
have just completed. Then you will use the answers to these questions to write the lab report that you will turn in
to your teacher.
You can upload your completed report with the upload tool in formats such as OpenOffice.org, Microsoft Word,
or PDF. Alternatively, your teacher may ask you to turn in a paper copy of your report or use a web-based
writing tool.
Questions
Use your answers from questions 1 and 2 (above) as the basis for the first section of your lab report. This
section provides your reader with background information about why you conducted this lab and how it was
completed. It should be one to two paragraphs in length.
Use your answers from questions 3 and 4 (above) as the basis for the second section of your lab report. This
section provides your reader with charts, tables, or drawings from the lab. You also need to incorporate your
answers to the follow-up questions (from the Student Guide) in your conclusions.
Overall
When complete, the lab report should be read as a coherent whole. Make sure you connect different pieces with
relevant transitions. Review for proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, and other conventions of
organization and good writing.