Formal Lab Report Format 
 
General format 
1. Cover page 
2. Abstract/Purpose 
3. Introduction 
4. Diagram of any apparatus used 
5. Procedure/Experimental Design 
a. Materials list in alphabetical order 
b. Data/graphs 
6. Analysis of data 
a. Calculation page 
7. Conclusion 
8. Source of Errors 
9. Signature and date submitted. 
 
Cover page: 
 
1. Tile of experiment (center on title page) 
2. Name of teacher block and term 
3. Lower right hand corner your name first and last, below that any partners names 
4. Date lab was started. Not the date of the report. 
 
Abstract/Purpose: 
 
1. Write a brief statement of what you were verifying, measuring, deterring etc. Two or three sentences should be enough for this. Remember that your goal is never to “prove” something but to verify a hypothesis (This is where you include any hypotheses you may have developed) or theories. Any test one experimental factor at a time.  
2. Include your research question or problem in this section. 
 
Introduction: 
 
1. Provide some background to the experiment: concepts used, how any formula will be used.  
2. Define any terms that will be used. 
 
Diagram of apparatus used: 
 
1. Make a neatly drawn sketch of any assembled apparatus used for this experiment. Label each piece of equipment. (Make sure your sketch is of the apparatus you used and not a generic one). 
 
Procedure/experimental Design: 
 
1. Make a list of all materials used during this experiment. Alphabetize this list. 
2. List step by step a set of instructions detailing how you got your results; you may use diagrams when appropriate. 
3. Tables of raw data/ measurements, observations should be organized and placed towards the end of this section. 
4. Gathering equipment, calculations are not part of the procedure. 
5. These instructions should be detailed enough that any intelligent but inexperienced person can repeat this experiment and repeat your results. 
 
Analysis of data: 
 
1. Explain what the data means in words and show how to extract this meaning using the correct formulas. This section may include but not limited to 
a. Data tables showing original data collected and the results calculated from these results. 
b. Graphs with a best fit curve and coefficients 
c. A descriptive text explaining the graph or tables including appropriate units. Define what the unit mans with words.  
d. Show all work for any calculations in a logical organized fashion. 
 
Conclusion: 
 
1. Summarize what you accomplished through your analysis. Answer your research question. How did it fulfill the purpose of this experiment? Did this experiment confirm your hypothesis if so how and give evidence from your data. If not explain why and how your hypothesis was incorrect.  
2. Restate your hypothesis in this section 
3. avoid using the phrase “The experiment confirmed our hypothesis” 
4. Describe in detail any observations or trends n your data. 
5. Most conclusions end with a statement of what the next step should be and how this experiment could be improved. 
 
Sources of Error: 
 
1. Errors are not mistakes. They would arise even if the experimenters were extremely careful. Consider the assumptions made in the theory and the materials and methods used to do the experiment. What are the limitations of the equipment? List at least two facto5rs that resulted in experimental error. Explain how these errors could have influenced your results. 
 
Legal signature of all experimenters and date of submission for this report 
 
 
 

Posted by: Jerry Stephens