Template


Title of the Experiment

You may write the title in a larger font. You may type the report

Standard fonts only. Times or Courier are best


Author: Your Name

Really, your actual name.



Date: Todays Date

December 10, 2007 or 12/10/07



Class Section: Period 1, 3, 5, 6a, 7, or 8

Pick the class you are in.

Objective: The objective prepares the reader for the contents of the lab report. The objective is usually not very long but there is no fixed length. Seventh grade lab reports are usually just a few sentences long



Hypothesis: An if/then statement, not a question. Hypothesis are statements that are meant to be tested. Hypothesis are educated guesses. Example: If the hypothesis contains a question mark, then it is not a hypothesis. We will write the hypothesis' this year. In the future you may have the opportunity to write your own.


Material List: These lists can take many different forms. This year let's just stick to three forms. These are:



  1. Numbered lists are

  2. always nice, and

  3. they are easy to keep track of.



Material lists are comprehensive. That means they have a lot of stuff in them. The more the better. You do not have to include yourself, or the room and air in the room though.


The procedure: A step by step retelling of the experiment. Be as complete as possible. Work from your notes if possible. Numbered lists are the best and easiest way to tell the reader the experiments procedure.


  1. Assembled all materials and used the appropriate safety gear.

  2. Read or listened to the directions carefully.

  3. Etc,

  4. etc,

  5. etc,

  6. etc,

  7. etc,

  8. etc,

  9. etc,

  10. etc.


Observations: These are usually graphs, tables of numbers or equations. Scientists like pictures (graphs) This section must include all observations, especially the observations that make your hypothesis invalid. Most experiments do not go the way you plan. Expect the unexpected. The real beauty of science is that it leads to more science.

Graph








Conclusion: This is really easy.


Based on our observations we accept the hypothesis.


Or.


Based on our observations we fail to accept the hypothesis.


Pick the conclusion that fits the experiment you just performed.



Now for the teacher rant. No GOOFY fonts printed or typed. Write or type in black ink only. Color is OK for graphs . . . Print on the front of the paper only. Spelling counts, yes it does!