Geophysical Science Lab Report:
This is how a correct lab report is written. Please include the following to get full credit:
Title: Summarize in your own words the entire experiment. It should be written as “The Effect of” the independent variable “on” the dependent variable.
Ex: The Effect of Acid Rain on Plant Growth
Hypothesis: States the prediction of the experiment using “if, then” format. It should be written as “If” (some statement about the independent variable), “then” what you think will happen to the dependent variable as a result.
Ex: If plants are exposed to acid rain, then plant growth will be lower than expected.
Independent Variable (IV): the variable that you change/manipulate
Ex: Acid Rain
Dependent Variable (DV): the variable that you measure
Ex: Plant Growth
Constants – 3 minimum!
Materials: List of materials used in the experiment. Write the materials in a list form!
Ex: 3 Beakers
3 ml of Acetic Acid (Do NOT sequence in this form: Beakers, Acetic Acid and water)
3 ml of water
Procedure: Organized, step-by-step plan written in numerical order so that another person could follow and duplicate your experiment.
Ex: 1. Obtain one package of radish seeds (Raphanus sativus) from the teacher.
2. Obtain 50 planting containers approximately 6 cm in height.
3. Label 6 planting containers with marking pen “Control—no fertilizer”.
4. Add 3 cm of sterile potting soil to each “control” container.
Observations: Write these down as you carry out the experiment. Be sure to use adjectives!!
Results: 2 Parts are required
1. Data Table
Trials →
Independent Variable (units)
2. Appropriate Graph (line, bar or pie graph – know which one to use!) which contains:
- title
- axis labels for x and y (IV = x axis, DV = y axis)
- axis properly numbered
- proper intervals plotted (use the entire space!!)
- independent variable, control and dependent variables properly placed
- key (if needed)
- neatly completed
***Refer to the “How to Make a Perfect Graph” sheet for help with this part!!***
Conclusion: Summarizes the results of the experiment and requires 6 parts to be completed.
- Restate the problem (title)
- Summarize the data/results (use numbers)
- State if the hypothesis is supported or not supported. (Do not use Prove/Disprove!)
- State what types of experimental error you encountered during the experiment and what improvements you would make to this experiment (3 minimum)
- Give possible explanations for the results based on your knowledge. These must be reasonable and do not have to be right. Do not repeat the procedure.