This document provides guidelines for the standard format of a lab report, which should contain six main sections: Problem, Background, Data, Analysis, Conclusion, and References. The Purpose of the lab report is to explain science investigations and results to others. All raw data, notes, and observations from the lab are to be recorded in a separate lab book. The Problem section states the reason for the lab experiment. The Background provides relevant scientific context. Data is presented in neat tables with titles and units. Graphs are drawn on separate graph paper. Analysis uses the data to evaluate results in relation to the problem or hypothesis. The Conclusion states numerical findings and their implications. References are cited using a standard format.

1. LAB REPORT FORMAT
Lab reports should contain six parts (Problem, Background, Data, Analysis, Conclusion, References) plus a title section.
The purpose of a lab report is to explain to others your science investigations and results. It is an important part of science.
ALL DATA, NOTES, AND OBSERVATIONS STILL GO INTO THE LAB BOOK.
TITLE:
Your name, class period, date you began the lab, PARTNERS & lab title.
PROBLEM:
In One or two sentences explain the reason for the lab. Is it an observation, testing hypothesis, an engineering test, or something
else? If testing a hypothesis, then state the hypothesis. Do not use the word ‘hypothesis’.
BACKGROUND:
You should write this after you do the data and analysis.
Define the biology involved
State the specific topic
Do not use unnecessary phrases like, ‘in this lab’, or ‘we will investigate’, or ’biology defines as…’
Define and explain vocab and content that is necessary for understanding and conducting the lab
How does the biology relate to what is being examined.
Hypothesis (or topic of investigation)
State specifically the hypothesis or topic of investigation and how it relates to the biology discussed.
DATA:
All data are placed in tables,
Neat,
with Titles,
units
PROVIDE GRAPHS (IF NEEDED).
Each Graph is on a SEPARATE piece of GRAPH PAPER.
ANALYSIS:
Use the biology background and data to analyze your data.
In a real lab you would be trying to prove (or disprove your hypothesis).
PROVIDE EXAMPLES from the tables and graphs.
This is where errors would be, including how they impacted the lab. DO NOT make errors the focus of the analysis
CONCLUSION:
What were the results (numerical)?
Refer to data elsewhere in the lab.
What do the results mean?
In terms of the hypothesis? In terms of possible error?
What are the implications?
REFERENCES:
List references using a standard format
Author, title, publisher, page(s)
Instructor, Course, Lecture title, date
Instructor, Course, Document title, date