Frequently Asked Questions: (NOTE-this format will be used for both Pre-AP and AP lab reports)

1. What should I put in my formal lab report?
2. STEP ONE:
3. STEP TWO:
4. STEP THREE:
5. STEP FOUR:
6. STEP FIVE:
7. STEP SIX:
8. CAUTION:

What should I put in my formal lab report?

Use the guidelines below when writing a lab report.

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STEP ONE:

I. Introduction-in this section of the report you should give the reader 
background information that will help them understnad the experiment that 
your have conducted. The PURPOSE of the lab should be clearly stated in the 
introduction.

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STEP TWO:

II. Hypothesis- This relatively short section should include a testable 
hypothesis written in an If..... then..... format.

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STEP THREE:

III. Materials-A complete listing of the materials and supplies that were 
used to conduct the experiment should be included.

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STEP FOUR:

IV. Procedures-In this section of the report you should present the exact 
steps that were followed in your experiment. Clearly identify the control, 
variables and the measurement techinques used. (ALWAYS USE YOUR OWN WORDS- 
DO NOT JUST RESTATE THE PROCEDURES)

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STEP FIVE:

V. Data Collection/Analysis- All of the data that was collected during the 
experiment should be presented in a data table or tables. Additionally, a 
graph of the data should be included in this section. Make sure that the 
data table and graph are appropriately titled and labeled. Include a legend 
if necessary.
(NOTE- "GRAPH #1" or "TABLE A" ARE NOT CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE TITLES.)The 
title should always reflect the data represented. If you have problems 
deciding 
on an appropriate graph title use "The effects of ___________________ on 
____________". The X-axis variable would fit in the first blank and the Y-
axis variable will be the second blank.)

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STEP SIX:

VI. Conclusion- This protion of the report is used to clearly explain 
whether the resluts support or refute the hypothesis being tested. Answer 
any questions that were associated with the lab in this section. Any errors 
should be discussed and ways to improve the experiment should also be 
included.

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CAUTION:

NEVER USE PRONOUNS (including: it, my, our, he, she, their...)YES "it" is 
considered a pronoun!

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