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YOUR LAB REPORT MUST CONTAIN A TITLE, DATE, YOUR NAME, AND YOU LAB PARTNER’S NAME (IF APPLICABLE).
ALL LAB REPORTS MUST ALSO CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING
EIGHT SECTIONS:
PRE-LAB WORK:
The following 5 pre-lab sections must be completed (either typed or written in your lab book) before you walk into the lab:
	1.	Purpose
This is a statement of the problem to be investigated or the reson for doing the research.
	2.	Hypothesis
This section states your expected results i.e. what you think is going to happen.  It provides the overall direction for the laboratory investigation and must be thoroughly addressed in the conclusions section of your report.
3. Equipment & Materials
	•	A list of all laboratory equipment and materials used in the investigation. 
	•	A detailed and labeled diagram to illustrate the configuration of the apparatus if applicable. 
4. Procedure
	•	Briefly describe the variables. 
	•	You may “Cut and paste” this from your lab prep handout HOWEVER, be sure to revise it if you make any changes on lab day.
5. Data Tables
	•	Create the necessary data tables for input on lab day. 
	•	The units for physical measurements in a data table should be specified in the column heading. 
	•	Leave space to record qualitative observations.
IN LAB WORK:
	•	Includes data measured directly from the experiment. 
	•	Input all data into the tables created in your pre-lab; always check that proper units are used.
	•	Revise all diagrams (if necessary) to reflect the ACTUAL equipment and configuration used. 
	•	List all deviations to your pre-lab procedure. This part must reflect what you ACTUALLY did in the lab.
	•	Be sure to modify the equipment, materials and procedure sections accordingly. 
	•	ALWAYS record qualitative observations!!!



POST-LAB WORK:
Note: The following sections tell me if you really understand your lab. Your analysis and conclusion should go well beyond following the lab procedure and collecting data. 
6. Calculations
	•	Calculations must appear describing the method of obtaining all derived values.  SHOW YOUR WORK.
	•	Derived values obtained by way of mathematical manipulations (for example: average values, or unit conversions, or interpretations of any kind) should be included in this section of the report as well. 
7. Data Analysis & Results
	•	Include all graphs and analysis of graphs.
		When known accepted values exist, ALWAYS include a relative error calculation.

relative error = (accepted value – experimental value) x100%
                                            accepted value

	•	All graphs must have a title, labeled coordinate axes and proper units. GRAPHS MUST ALWAYS BE DRAWN ON GRAPH PAPER unless they are computer generated.
	•	Discuss any and all questionable data or surprising results. Unusual results and/or trends should be noted and explained in detail.  
	•	Are there any possible sources of error? 
	•	Include your interpretation of the data.  What does it mean?  What does it tell you?
	•	Answer ALL questions in the lab handout.
8. Conclusions
	•	Include a paragraph at the end of the Data Analysis Section that summarizes what you learned.
	•	Did this lab trigger any additional questions?
	•	Was your hypothesis correct?  Why? Why not?