Name _____________________________________________

Period _____

How to write a Lab Report in Mr. Newmans Chemistry Class

Parts of a lab report: Current Date and Name of Lab Partner(s) (2 points) This should be at the top of the page, above the title. If you are working individually, then write No Partner at the top. Title (2 points) The title describes the main point of the experiment. This will generally be given by Mr. Newman or the book. If unsure, please ask. Hypothesis (5 points) The hypothesis is a prediction. If the goal of the lab is to determine something, you should make an educated guess as to what that number or value will be. Be specific and support your hypothesis. Example: We predict that the thickness of the aluminum foil will be 0.1 meters because it is thinner than a person. (Not a very good guess, but an example of how you should write). NOT: We predict that we can determine the thickness of various brands of aluminum foil. Materials (2 points) This includes everything needed for the lab. You should include safety equipment here as well. When possible, include the quantity of solutions and items needed for the lab. (Ex: 100 mL of water) Formulas (2 points) This section should include all the formulas necessary for the lab. Any variable in an equation needs to be accompanied by an explanation of what the variable represents. Example: V = l x h x w where V is volume, l is length, h is height, and w is width. Sometimes this will be empty, but if you are not sure, ask. Procedure (5 points) Here you should include a step by step process which can be followed by a stranger picking up your lab notebook. Be sure to include units with any numbers. The above sections should be completed prior to the day of the lab and turned in to be checked. A late penalty will be incurred if these are turned in the day of the lab. If you have questions on the lab, it is best to get those answered ahead of time.

The below sections should be completed the day of the lab and afterward. Labs will always be due on Friday the week of the lab. This is to ensure that I can grade the labs and return them on Monday, when you will need to prepare for the next lab! Data (5 points) This section should include numerical data for a lab. This should NOT include any analysis, discussion, or opinions. It is strictly for numeric, objective data. Yes, you will receive points off for any discussion or analysis that appears in this section. Often times there will be tables, but not charts (charts are a form of analysis).

Name _____________________________________________

Period _____

Results, Discussion, and Analysis (7 points) This should include interpretations of the data and what it means with respect to the hypothesis. The final paragraph of this section should be a conclusion in which you summarize what happened in the experiment, whether the hypothesis was rejected or accepted, and what that means. Failure to reference the hypothesis will result in a deduction of points. This section should also answer any questions from the textbook or lab report papers included in the analysis section. Total: 30 points

Some notes on writing in a lab report: It is a bad habit to use white-out (in the case of a pen) or an eraser (in the case of a pencil). The best practice is to cross out, with a single line, anything that you miswrote in a lab notebook. I will never count off based on something that was crossed out, but doing this helps prevent plagiarism and forgery of results. It is unethical to report fictitious data or another groups data. Be sure to use the appropriate units with any number. If you cannot finish the lab in the appointed time, you must find time during lunch or outside of school to complete the lab. Make sure to clean up after yourself after each lab. If you have any questions, you can always ask Mr. Newman for clarification.