The document outlines the six key parts of a lab report: Problem, Background, Data, Analysis, Conclusion, and References. It provides guidance on what to include in each section, such as stating the hypothesis in the Problem section, defining relevant biology in the Background, presenting data in tables with titles and units in the Data section, analyzing the data in relation to the hypothesis and background in the Analysis, and summarizing results and implications in the Conclusion. All observations and data still belong in the separate lab book.

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?
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 topic of investigation and how it relates to the biology discussed.
HYPOTHESIS:
Testable and clearly stated “If…Then”. Predicts relationship between dependent and independent
variable.
MATERIALS:
Detailed list
PROCEDURE:
Accurately tests hypothesis, formatted in a paragraph summary
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?

2. Literature cited:
List references using a standard format
Author, title, publisher, page(s)
Instructor, Course, Lecture title, date
Instructor, Course, Document title, date