Lab Report Format

Chem J

Laboratory Report Write-up Format

I.                   General Information – Lab reports may be printed from a computer word processing file or written neatly and in blue or black ink on 8 ½ by 11-inch paper. Printed reports should use #12 font size.  Each section of the report should be labeled with the section title.

II.                Required Sections

A.     Heading – Each lab report will contain a heading. At the top of the first page of the lab report will be your name, period, date, and partner’s name.

B.      Title – This is the title of the lab report. It should be descriptive of the lab and may be given in class.

C.     Abstract – This is a description of the goals of the lab.  Also, a quick summary of the lab.

D.     Procedure – This is a description of what you did in the lab. It is a list of steps that you took to complete the experiment. They should be detailed and ordered enough so that anyone reading the procedure may know what you did or be able to duplicate your procedure. 

1.       Equipment/Materials – This is a table listing the equipment you used and another table listing the reagents and any other materials used in the lab.  Be sure to include the proper amounts and chemical formulas.  For example, 3.234 g NaHCO₃; baking soda.

E.      Results

1.                   Data - This section includes all observations and data tables.  This section includes information collected during the lab period.  (No calculations in this section)

2.                   Calculations – This section should be written in a paragraph style. Take the information from your data chart and describe how you will use this information in calculations.  Please include the actual calculation as well.  Be sure to show all details of your work.  For example,

The average mass of pennies was 123.690g .  The average volume of pennies was 15.0 mL.  To calculate density, the mass needs to be divided by volume.

Mass           =          Density             123.690   =  8.25 g/mL

Volume                                              15.0

ALL calculations must be explained in this section, including percent error.

F.      Questions / Discussion - Any elaboration on the report should be made here. For any assigned questions in the report, write its number, the question, and your answer.

G.     Conclusion – In this section you discuss the actual results, in comparison with expected results. Be sure to include possible sources of error. Please do not include personal opinions about the experiment.  Be objective, brief and concise.

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