Based on the lab report proposal, write a lab report with the same topic
Lab Report
Lab reports are generally a shorter document that serves multiple purposes. For a class, it demonstrates your knowledge of the material and also of the procedure associated with completing the experiment. In the workplace, it communicates the laboratory outcome to management, who then makes decisions based on the information provided. It also serves as an archive so that the experiment may not have to be repeated (VA Tech).
The lab report has several sections (in this order):
Abstract: A brief, informational synopsis of your experiment, typically under 200 words.
Introduction: Identifies the experiment to be undertaken. Explains its objectives and significance, and provides the background necessary to understand it. When appropriate, the background should indicate theoretical predictions.
Procedures (or Methods): Provides readers with enough information that they could replicate the experiment if they so desired. Select the level of detail appropriately.
Results and Discussion (sometimes presented as separate sections): Conveys results relevant to the goal of the experiment. Analyzes the results and discusses their implications. Acknowledges possible sources of error. Considers presenting information visually with graphs and tables; provides figure captions.
Please note that the lab report can simply document the experiment as a scientific phenomenon or concept. So if you don’t have data or even results, that’s okay. Your results can simply be the explanation of the concept, and you can use a schematic or diagram (found online, and sourced) to show the concept, rather than data resulting directly from the experiment. If you have questions about this, let me know!
Conclusions: Briefly summarizes the entire report. Places specific results into the context of the experiment as a whole. Evaluates the results in light of the objectives stated in the introduction.
Appendices: Include data here that is too extensive or tangential to warrant inclusion in the main body of the report. This may be blank, if there is no data necessary to add here. (Duke University)
Lab reports also include visuals to demonstrate the results of the experiment. They serve as evidence of your findings. Figures and tables are referred to in your results section and discussion section.
Assignment
Write a 3-5 page report, including at least two visuals (only one photo allowed; the other must be a table, figure, or schematic), both appropriately labeled and sourced. You may use appendices, but that is optional. Please include a Works Cited (MLALinks to an external site.) or References (APALinks to an external site.) page.
The lab report should be written in past tense, because the experiment has already occurred, and you are reporting on both how the experiment was conducted and the results.
Your audience is a grade school teacher with limited science knowledge. The goal is to provide enough background so that a teacher can talk about the scientific concept behind the experiment, and to excite children about STEM.
Here is an example of a lab report for the invisible ink experiment and another example of a lab report
Actions
for ice cream. Other experiment possibilities include leavening agents, baking soda and vinegar, coloration of vegetables when cooked, and heat capacity. You may choose your own experiment, as long as it is relatively easy to execute in a short time frame.
Grading:
This paper will be graded based on the following criteria:
Organization: Is the report organized logically? Did you use the appropriate headings? Is each section clearly marked with good transitions (or headings and/or subheadings)? Does the conclusion summarize the report’s main points, without introducing any new information?
Argument: Does the report have a clear thesis about STEM that is supported throughout? Does each section have sufficient support and explanation, with at least one figure and one table in the report? If the report explores a phenomenon rather than testing hypothesis, are the steps and scientific concepts clear? Could an elementary school teacher with no science background follow the report and easily replicate it among her students?
Visuals: Do you include one photo of the experiment you conducted, plus one figure/table/schematic that is not a photo? Do these visuals have proper captions and sourcing, if appropriate? Do you refer to them in the text?
Language: Is the report professional in tone, appropriate for use by an elementary school teacher? Is the wording clear and concise, and written in past tense where appropriate? Is the report free of errors in grammar, punctuation, mechanics, or spelling? If outside sources are used, is the in-text citation correct? Is the final Works Cited / References page accurate?
