FORMAL LAB REPORT GUIDELINES
(A formal lab report will only be required for a few of the labs)
I. Title (10 points)
The title should state the problem or purpose of the investigation and can be stated in a statement or
question-like form. In either case, it should be specific enough to relate to the specific procedures
performed. For example, if you measured the rate of photosynthesis in isolated chloroplasts that had
been incubated in light and dark,
GOOD titles would be:
To measure the effect of light on the rate of photosynthesis in isolated chloroplasts.
How does light affect the rate of photosynthesis?
POOR titles would be:
Photosynthesis.
To observe photosynthesis.
To measure the rate of photosynthesis.
What is the rate of photosynthesis in isolated chloroplasts?
II. Introduction (10 points)
In this section, you should discuss the underlying principles that are related to the lab problem.
Use the “Before doing this laboratory you should understand” section of the objectives for each lab to
get an idea of what to include here. Each bulleted item should receive a paragraph. DO NOT copy
the background material from the lab manual. I expect you to use your notes, your textbook and other
resources in addition to your lab manual. Use paragraphs in the writing of this section.
III. Hypothesis, Materials and Method (10 points)
State the hypothesis for each part of the lab procedure. Identify the section (ex: Exercise 1B or
Exercise 1C) and describe the hypothesis for that section and how the procedure will allow you to
confirm or reject the hypothesis. DO NOT write, "The hypothesis is...". A hypothesis should be
written as an 'if (independent variable)... then (dependent variable) statement'. This is not expected
to be a detailed account, but should be a general overview of what was done. This section should be
written impersonally and in the passive voice - not, "We made a cross section of the plant and..."; but
rather, "A cross section of the plant was made and ...". Please leave out the personal pronouns.
IV. Variables (5 points)
List the variable tested and the nature of the control(s).
V. Data and Observations (15 points)
Data should be presented in tables, graphs and/or drawings. All data should be titled and clearly
labeled. Graphs should be drawn in pen on graph paper or constructed with a graphing program;
they must be inserted in the data section of the report – NOT at the end of the report. Best-fit lines
should be drawn or constructed for your data. Under some circumstances, as in the enzyme lab, a
curve may be the best-fit line. Remember to label units on axes and tables of data. You should never
have a graph without a data table.
All observations recorded in the lab should be included.
VI. Analysis (25 points)
Answer all 'Analysis of Results' questions (graphs go in the data section) and/or 'Topics for
Discussion' questions that appear in the lab manual. Number each question according to what is
numbered in the lab manual. Answer all questions in full sentences.
VII. Discussion (20 points)
In this section, you will analyze the data and draw conclusions. The conclusions should summarize
major findings and relate to purpose and objectives. The expected data should be compared with
realized data, however, do not repeat the data in this section. Instead, try to make generalizations
about the results you got. If the problem was to compare the rate of respiration of germinating peas
at room temperature and 10 degrees C, an appropriate generalization might be:
At lower temperatures, peas respire at a greater rate (assuming the data supports this). This was
expected because... (or this was not expected because...)
Irregularities should also be discussed in this section. If the data points to an illogical conclusion, you
can discuss the factors that contributed to the outcome. Sources of error and their effects on the
results could also be included if necessary.
The results and discussion section of your lab report should be similar to your background section
in length. I expect more than a couple of cursory, obvious statements here. The emphasis is on
discussion!
VIII. References (5 points)
MLA style, please! If you are writing a lab report without using any references, you are probably
not getting the best grade possible. References (text, lab manual, and/or class notes at least) are
expected.
General Information
Your lab report should be typed (12-point font, double-spaced, 1" margins).
For the best possible score:
Do not deviate from the recommended form. Please label each section of your lab report (title,
introduction, data, etc.)
Turn the lab report in on the due date. In general, labs are due on the fourth class day after the lab is
completed.
Each student must write an independent lab report. Lab partners are encouraged to discuss the
results of lab exercises, but each student must write a COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT report.