Guide to MYP Science lab report writing

1. Planning
Background: Provide a context for the
investigation
Write an aim – How does changing _____
affect the _________of ______
Create a hypothesis/ prediction supported by
science
Variables Factor Description
Independent Temperature Temperature will be changed by heating with a Bunsen
burner and measurements will be made every 10 degrees
as measured by a thermometer
Dependent Conductivity Measured using a LabPro conductivity probe
Fixed

2. Method
• A labelled diagram should be used to support
method
• Numbered single instruction sentences
• Must include how to alter the IV, how to measure
the DV and how to control other variables
• Highlight any safety precautions made in a
separate box
Example
1. Set up equipment as shown in the diagram.
2. Use a measuring cylinder to collect 20ml of
hydrochloric acid.

3. Data Collection
Independent
Variable ±
uncertainty
(units)
Dependent Variable ± uncertainty (units)
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average
Volume of
acid (ml)
Conductivity (μS/cm)
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average
10
20
30
40
50
General example
Example
Qualitative notes including any anomalies should be recorded after the results table
Include uncertainty when approaching DP
Remember you target is 5 sets of data each repeated 3 times

4. Data Analysis
•Construct a scatter graph with a trend line –
the independent variable should always be on
the x-axis
•Describe the graph trend in words and with a
mathematical formula. E.g. A straight line of best
fit with a positive gradient (y = 84x-2)

5. Data Analysis (Ready for DP)
•Data points should include uncertainty
•A straight line graph must also contain
maximum and minimum to form a range for
the gradient

6. Conclusion
• Make a conclusive statement – what
did you find out
• Offer a scientific explanation
Comment on the validity of your
findings
1. Was the data close to your trend line?
2. Did all the data points follow the trend?
3. Comment on the size of the max/min range

7. Validity of Hypothesis
Evaluate the hypothesis against the
conclusive statement
• This means more than my conclusion agrees
with my hypothesis but an evaluation of how
well they agree (or NOT)

8. Evaluation
Improvements
Extensions
Describe extensions to the method which
would benefit scientific investigation e.g.
collect data over a wider range
Issue Impact Improvement
Example: Volume not
controlled
Evaluate the impact
on all results
Example: Measure
100ml with
measuring cylinder