Laboratory Report

Laboratory Report

• A document that provides essential details on what took place inside the laboratory

• Fundamental to hard sciences

• Conditioning Theory

• Demonstrates the writer's understanding of the experiment's purpose, process, and results, and is essential in the fields of science and engineering

Parts of a Laboratory Report

1. Abstract

2. Introduction

3. Materials

4. Procedure

5. Results

6. Discussion

7. Conclusion

8. References

Abstract

• A summary of the experiment that helps readers grasp the purpose before delving into the report.

• A condensed version of the experiment.

  • It must be substantial enough that the reader does not need to read the entire report to understand the details of the experiment.

  • It must be concise and comprehensible without giving too much information.

Introduction

• Explains the rationale behind the experiment, outlines key concepts and objectives, and poses guiding questions.

  • Highlight the need/s as to why the experiment will be conducted.

  • Give the background information and primary motivation of the experiment.

  • Outline the investigation question and objectives.

  • Discuss related theories and define key concepts.

Materials

• Lists all tools, chemicals, and equipment used, including quantities and preparation details to allow for replication.

• Present your ideas either in a bulleted vertical list or in a numbered list format.

• Outline the specifics of setting up the materials.

Procedure

• Describes the step-by-step process of the experiment, including timing and the use of materials, and notes any challenges encountered.

  • Include the detailed steps undertaken and all materials used in the experiment.

  • Provide the difficulties encountered on how they were solved.

  • You may present the procedure using graphic organizers.

Results

• Presents findings using visuals such as charts, graphs, or tables.

• Description of the outcome of the experiment.

• Show what was obtained in the experiment conducted.

  • Use narrative and graphic format (e.g. tables, graphs, etc.)

  • Provide a brief explanation for each graph.

Discussion

• Interprets the results, connects them to theoretical concepts, and answers the initial questions posed in the introduction.

  • Provide analysis and interpretation of the raw data.

  • Interpolate the result relative to experimental objectives and the problem statement.

  • Relate the result of the experiment to scientific theories and principles.

Conclusion

• Summarizes the experiment and insights in 1–2 paragraphs.

• Include any unforeseen results/occurrences in the conduct of the study.

• Restate the experiment’s objectives, the methods used, the salient findings, and the knowledge acquired.

• Relate the result of the experiment to scientific theories and principles.

References

• Lists sources used and includes recommended readings.

• Useful for the reader to read up on topics related to the experiment.

• Details on where you took your information as cited in the laboratory report.