This document outlines the requirements for formal lab write-ups for 12 AP Biology labs. Each lab write-up must be typed or neatly handwritten in a lab notebook and include: the title/question; introduction/background; hypothesis; materials and methods; data; data analysis graphs with trend summaries; and conclusion discussing experimental findings, hypothesis comparison, constants, sources of error, and final information. Lab write-ups are due two class periods after each lab and will count for two lab grades. Overall neatness and organization is also graded.

1. Formal Lab Write up for AP Biology
These will be done for all 12 official AP labs.
They must be typed or written neatly (preferably in a lab notebook) or typed ( even
better!).
Each formal lab write up will count for 2 lab grades and be due – 2 class periods after the
lab.
Title/Lab Question – 5 points.
Introduction/Background info. Give me the basic background information needed for
this lab. Include all reactions, list your variables etc. This should be about half a page –
15 points.
Hypothesis – 5 points
Materials and Methods ( you can refer to the handout or cut and paste the handout if
you wish).
For Methods if you refer or copy and paste I want a brief written summary of what you
did for each part. A sketch of the set up is also good. ( 1-2 sentences). – 10 points.
Data – all data tables, equations, observations. Please keep sections separate and label
each chart. – 15 points
Data Analysis – GRAPHS – create a graph for each chart with measured values. Title,
label axis, etc. 20 points
Under each graph write one sentence summarizing the trend or data.
Conclusion –20 points
This should be very thorough. This should be a minimum of 6 sentences long. You
should EXPLAIN your experimental findings in terms of how it compares to your
CONTROL (be sure to state what your control is), state how the findings COMPARE to
your HYPOTHESIS (“reject” or “fail to reject” your hypothesis), state 2
CONSTANTS, 2 POTENTIAL SOURCES OF ERROR, and give any final information.
Questions 15 points – if your lab hand out had questions – please answer them and attach
to the lab write up. You do not have to re-answer something that is already in the report,
but please note that on the questions.
Overall Neatness 10 points : The lab is turned in on time, easy to read and together.
Again, please type or write neatly in a lab notebook ( these are made from graph paper).
You can cut and paste or hand draw as needed – but they to keep it neat. Label each
section ( Hypothesis, Materials, etc.)
Also these labs have multiple sections within (parts A, B, C, etc) – try and label
accordingly.