Writing a lab report guide

Writing a great lab report is like learning to ride a bike—once you’ve figured out, you can do it easily every
time! In Cambridge, lab reports are really important because they make up a big part of your final grades in
science subjects and are a key part of your final papers. To write a good lab report, you need to understand
what’s required and include all those parts in your report. Follow these steps to get it right:

Criterion Section Description

● Identify the Topic: State the main focus of your investigation.

Research ● Research Question: Formulate a clear and specific question.
question/ ● Hypothesis: Present a testable hypothesis predicting the relationship
Purpose between independent and dependent variables.

Provide context for your study, including relevant theories, formulas, and patterns
Background from previous research that support your investigation. This section will help justify
information your hypothesis and results later on.

Research
Define all the variables.
Design ● Independent Variable: Clearly define the variable you will manipulate.
● Dependent Variable: Specify the variable you will measure.
● Controlled Variables: List the variables you will keep constant to ensure a
Variables
fair test.
● Justification: Explain your choices for measurements and how you will
manage the independent variable.
 Your lab should include a complete method or procedure. This should be clear and
easy to follow.
Equipment and Materials

● List all equipment used, including sizes (e.g., 250 mL beakers, 100 mL
measuring cylinders).
● Include names of chemicals used (e.g., distilled water, salt).

Experimental Setup

● (Optional) Include a diagram of the experimental setup for clarity.

Procedure

● Describe the steps taken in the experiment, ensuring clarity.

Method
Data Collection

● Data was recorded for each trial, ensuring multiple repetitions for accuracy.
● Sufficient data was collected through repeated trials, and calculations were
verified to ensure accuracy.

Health and Safety

● All chemicals were handled according to safety guidelines. Appropriate

personal protective equipment (PPE) was worn, and disposal procedures for
chemicals were followed to mitigate hazards.

Data Table

● Create a data table that includes a reasonable range of values for the
independent variable.
● Include space for at least 3 trials of five different variations.
● Number the table and add a caption that briefly describes its contents and
how the results were recorded.
Data ● Include titles, units, and uncertainties in the table headings.
collection ● If needed, split the table but repeat the title and headings for clarity.
Data
Analysis Results Summary

● Below the table, briefly describe the main trends observed in the results and
note any anomalies. You don’t need to discuss the significance related to the
investigation's aim.
 Data Processing

● Process your data accurately and present it in tables and graphs.

● Calculate the average, range, and uncertainties of your data. Use the larger
uncertainty between data variability and measuring tool uncertainty for
error bars.
Data
Processing Graphs
and
Presentation ● Label the graph with a caption that describes its contents. Axes must be
labeled with units, and data points should be plotted accurately.

Error Analysis

● Perform error analysis when possible.

Conclusion Results Discussion

● Discuss your results in relation to the research question. Summarize key

findings and refer to calculations and graphs to support your conclusion.

Analysis Conclusion

● Draw a conclusion based on your interpretation of the data. Consider

questions like: What does the graph indicate? Do any statistical tests support
your findings?

● Place your conclusion in the context of existing research and compare with
Justification
literature values, discussing percentage error.

Evaluation Conclusion Assessment

● Reflect on whether your conclusion supports your hypothesis. Identify limitations in your
method if needed.

Method Evaluation

● Discuss weaknesses in the experimental method and data manipulation, highlighting sources
of error without personal mistakes.

Improvement Suggestions

● Propose realistic improvements to the method based on identified limitations.

Lab report checklist

Research design
1. Research question:
● Did you state the question/purpose? (How will ... affect …?)
● Is it quantitative?
2. Hypothesis
● Have you presented a testable hypothesis predicting the relationship between the independent and dependent
variables?
3. Background theory
● Have you explained the relevant theory to support the investigation?
● Have you found literature values for comparison?
4. Variables
● Independent Variable: Have you identified and listed the levels?
● Dependent Variable: Have you defined it and specified how it will be measured?
● Controlled Variables: Have you listed and explained how each will be controlled?
5. Materials
● Have you listed all materials with correct precision
6. Method
● Is the procedure clear and detailed?
● Does it allow for sufficient data collection (at least 5 variations of IV, 3 trials each)?
● Does it control all variables?
● Does it address safety and ethical issues?

Data analysis
1. Data Collection
● Do tables have correct labels and units?
● Do all raw data quantities include uncertainties?
● Are qualitative observations thorough?
● Are data tables well-organized and numbered?
2. Data Processing
● Are sample calculations and relevant equations shown?
● Are units displayed and significant figures reported correctly?
● Are important patterns discussed and displayed graphically?
● Do graphs have appropriate scales, titles, and labels?
Conclusion
1. Data Interpretation
● Is the data interpreted correctly? Does it answer the research question?
● Have you compared your results with literature values?
● Have you discussed errors and uncertainties?

Evaluation
● Have you discussed strengths, including measurement precision?
● Are weaknesses in the method explained?
● Have you suggested realistic adjustments to improve data quality?

Format of report
● Is the title of the investigation at the beginning?
● Is there a complete works cited section at the end?
Sample Lab Report 1

Name: [Your Name]

Date: [Lab Completion Date]

Title of Lab Investigation:

(Example: The Effect of X on Y)

Introduction:

State the purpose of the lab and summarize the key concepts or topics being explored, including
relevant vocabulary and definitions. If there is no specific research question or hypothesis,
thoroughly explain the purpose of conducting the lab. Avoid discussing the conclusion in this
section.

Background Information:

Provide the scientific background related to your experiment. This can include relevant theories,
formulas, and prior research findings. You may also refer to literature values that can later be
used for comparison with your results. This section should justify the hypothesis and provide
the context for your experiment.

Research Question:

Formulate a clear, specific research question such as:

“How does X affect Y?”
Avoid using "Why" questions to keep the experiment focused on measurable variables.

Hypothesis:

State your hypothesis in an "If…, then…" format. Predict how manipulating the independent
variable will affect the dependent variable. Avoid explaining the reasoning behind your prediction
at this point.

● Independent Variable: What was manipulated during the experiment?

● Dependent Variable: What was measured as data?
Materials:

List all materials and equipment used during the experiment. Be specific about quantities and
sizes, for example:

● 250 mL beaker
● 100 mL graduated cylinder

Safety:

List at least four safety precautions specific to this experiment. Make sure to address:

● Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure proper use of PPE, such as goggles,
gloves, and lab coats.
● Chemical Handling: Identify any hazardous chemicals used, and describe safe handling
practices, including precautions to avoid exposure.
● Disposal Procedures: Explain how to dispose of chemicals according to your lab’s
guidelines.
● Emergency Procedures: Provide steps to follow in case of accidents, such as spills or
exposure.

For each chemical used, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and include the following
information:

● Hazard Classification: Describe the risks associated with the chemical (e.g., flammable,
toxic, corrosive).
● Health Hazards: Mention potential health risks (e.g., skin irritation, inhalation hazards).
● First Aid Measures: Explain what actions should be taken in case of exposure (e.g.,
rinsing skin, moving to fresh air).
● Handling and Storage: Describe the best practices for handling and storing the chemical
safely.

This ensures a clear understanding of both general lab safety and chemical-specific risks.

Procedure:

Clearly outline the experimental steps. Use either a step-by-step list or summarize in a detailed
paragraph. This section must be clear enough for someone to replicate the experiment. Include:
 ● Control Group Setup: Describe the setup for the control group, if applicable. For example,
“Fill a 250 mL beaker with 100 mL of distilled water.”
● Experimental Group Setup: Detail how the independent variable was altered in each trial.
For example, “For the first experimental trial, fill a 250 mL beaker with 50 mL of distilled
water…”

Also, specify when and how the dependent variable was measured, and if measurements were
repeated, state how many times they were taken.

Data/Observations:

Organize your data in a table format. A “T” chart is a simple and effective option, with the
independent variable in the first column and the dependent variable in the second. Make sure
the table includes:

● A descriptive title
● Labeled columns with units (e.g., Volume (mL))
● Data for at least 3 trials with 5 variations (as per the checklist)

Additionally, you may create a separate table for qualitative observations (e.g., color changes,
texture differences).

Data Analysis:

● Graphing: Create a graph of the quantitative data, with the independent variable on the
X-axis and the dependent variable on the Y-axis. Ensure that the graph includes a title,
labeled axes with units, and an appropriate scale. If multiple trials were conducted,
include error bars to reflect uncertainties.
● Analysis Questions: If the lab provides analysis questions, write them out and answer
them in complete sentences, using data to support your responses. Identify any trends
or patterns, and explain them, such as “As X increases, Y decreases.”

Conclusion:

Write a conclusion in paragraph form, addressing the following points:

● Restate the purpose of the lab in a general sense without repeating the entire procedure.
● Answer the experimental question by restating your hypothesis and indicating whether it
was supported or rejected based on the results.
 ● Support your conclusion with specific data from the experiment, focusing on the
processed results rather than raw data. For example, “The experimental group showed a
20% increase compared to the control group.”
● Identify trends in the data, such as “As the concentration of X increased, the reaction rate
decreased,” and explain these trends using scientific reasoning and vocabulary relevant
to the experiment.
● Sources of error: Identify any potential sources of error that may have affected your
results. If no significant errors were encountered, suggest a possible future experiment
inspired by your results.

Evaluation:

Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of your experiment:

● Strengths: Discuss aspects of the procedure that ensured accuracy, such as precise
measurements or repeat trials.
● Weaknesses: Identify any weaknesses in the experimental method or limitations in data
collection (e.g., equipment limitations, environmental factors).
● Improvements: Propose realistic improvements that could enhance the accuracy or
reliability of the experiment in the future. If no specific improvements are necessary,
suggest a new research question that could be explored in a future investigation.

Format of Report:

● Ensure the title of the investigation is clear and descriptive at the beginning of the report.
● Include a works cited section at the end that lists all references or literature used,
formatted according to proper citation guidelines.
● The entire report should be typed—no handwritten elements
Sample Lab Report 2

Title of Lab:
(Example: The Effect of X on Y)

I. Introduction:

Provide a brief overview of the lab experiment. Explain the key concepts being investigated and
state the research question or problem. Avoid including any conclusions here.

● Research Question: Clearly state the question driving your investigation (e.g., "How does
X affect Y?").
● Hypothesis: Present a testable hypothesis using the "If…, then…" format, specifying what
you expect to happen when the independent variable is altered.
● Variables:
○ Independent Variable: What was changed or manipulated in the experiment?
○ Dependent Variable: What was measured as the outcome?

II. Materials:

List all the materials and equipment used during the experiment, including quantities and sizes
(e.g., 250 mL beaker, 100 mL graduated cylinder).

● Safety Procedures:
○ PPE: Ensure that goggles, gloves, and lab coats are worn.
○ MSDS Information: Include information from the MSDS for each chemical used,
outlining hazards, safe handling instructions, and emergency procedures.

III. Procedures:

Write out the procedures in a clear, step-by-step format so that the experiment can be easily
replicated. Be sure to:

● Control Group and Experimental Group: Identify the control and experimental groups,
describing how each group was set up and how variables were controlled for both
groups.
● Controlled Variables: Specify the variables that remained constant throughout the
experiment to ensure accurate results.
 ● Changes: Note any modifications to the original procedure.

IV. Results:

Present the data you collected in an organized manner:

● Data Tables:
Insert well-labeled tables documenting the results for both the control and experimental
groups. Include headings with units (e.g., Volume (mL), Time (s)) and ensure space for at
least three trials with five different variations.
● Graph:
Insert a graph to represent your quantitative data, ensuring proper titles and labeled
axes. The independent variable should be on the X-axis, and the dependent variable on
the Y-axis. If necessary, include a key.
● Analysis Questions:
Rewrite and answer any analysis questions from the lab packet in complete sentences,
directly referencing your data and results.

V. Conclusion:

Summarize the outcome of the experiment, reflecting on whether your hypothesis was
supported or rejected.

● Restate Purpose: Briefly restate the purpose of the experiment without repeating the
procedure.
● Hypothesis: Address whether your hypothesis was supported or rejected based on the
data.
● Supporting Data: Refer to the specific data from the experiment to justify your
conclusion, identifying trends observed in your graph (e.g., “As X increased, Y
decreased”).
● Scientific Explanation: Use relevant scientific concepts to explain why the data supports
or rejects your hypothesis.
● Sources of Error: Identify any potential sources of error that could have affected your
results. Suggest how these errors could be minimized in future experiments.
● Suggestions for Improvement: Propose realistic improvements or additional questions
that could be explored based on your findings.
Report Format Notes:

● Use Roman numerals and bold, underlined headings to structure your report.
● Ensure that all graphs and tables are inserted into the appropriate sections of the report.
● The entire report should be typed—no handwritten elements.