This Reference Page is designed to be a resource to aid you in writing your formal lab reports, giving you a concise reminder of what should be covered in each section. For a full explanation of each section you should see “Formal Lab Report Guidelines” (pg 1-17). Remember that, while understanding the lab material is very important, the most effective scientists are interested in making sure that they are conveying their knowledge in an effective manner.
You must include the following sections (with headings) in the typed portion of your formal lab report:
• Purpose: 1-2 sentences that convey understanding as to why and how the experiment is being performed
• Experimental Details: Narrative should be included in the “Notebook”, therefore all that is needed in this section is a citation to the lab manual.
• Results: Draw attention to the “Report Sheet” attached to the end of the written portion.
• Discussion: This is the portion of the lab that demonstrates understanding of results. In this section all of the discussion questions (as highlighted in lab manual or by the professor/TA) should be addressed in paragraph form. This is also the section that should relate results to any known literature values. This section should not just show knowledge of the data, but should show insight into the meaning of the observed results. To fully convey understanding error should be addressed in this section as well.
• Conclusion: This section should only include the four statements outlined in “Formal Lab Report Guidelines” (pg 1-17).
1. Restate the purpose in past tense. (1 sentence)
2. Report the most pertinent results. (1 sentence)
3. Discuss any errors associated with the lab. (1-2 sentences)
4. Relate the lab back to the course/textbook material. (1 sentence)
You must include the following three non-typed items with your formal lab report:
• Grading Rubric: Attach as a cover sheet to the front of the typed report. The rubric for all of the formal lab reports is attached on the next page. One will be provided to attach to the front of each formal lab report.
• Notebook: The notebook carbon copies are to be turned in at the end of the lab experiment, but are considered to be part of the formal lab report. This should be written as a narrative as outlined in “Formal Lab Report Guidelines” (pg 1-17).
• Report Sheet: The Report Sheet should be attached to the back of the typed report. This should be neatly written in pen. A sample calculation for EACH type of calculation performed on the data should be written on the back of the report sheet. Calculations are often similar to the problems assigned as practice throughout the lab.
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