Lab Write-up Format

BLab Write-Up Guide

        Labs are an important part of this course.  Labs can be experimental, involving hypothesis formation, procedure development and implementation, manipulation of variables, gathering data, and developing conclusions.  In this class, however, labs will more often be observation labs and will involve following developed procedures for observing specimen, models or phenomena and drawing conclusions or summarizing observations. 

Title: The title for each BLab should be the title of the worksheet.   
    

I. Introduction/Background Information

          Read the Lab-sheet for background information. It is usually a summary of the chapter that we are studying at that time.  There will probably be a link to a .pdf file of the labsheet.

The objectives of the lab are generally listed for you to view.

II. Hypothesis

        This is a suggestion that predicts the expected outcome based on the introductory research.  You can make a hypothesis for each part or section of the lab.  Consider using an “if… then… because…” statement.  If you have no idea what is going to happen, rather than making wild guesses, save your ideas for the conclusion after you’ve done the lab. Hopefully, you’ll have a lot more ideas by then.  For the first few BLabs, I've done this for you already.

III. Materials

        List all of the equipment you will use.  Specify quantity and size when appropriate.  Unless you are designing your own lab, this part is usually done for you and you can just write “See Lab instructions”.  Again, I've already set this up for you on the first few BLabs.

IV. Procedure

         Briefly describe what you did for each section of the lab.  You may include pictures of yourself and the lab set up.  For the first few BLabs, I've provided data for you to use on the BLab template.  You can use all of the info by cutting/pasting my template into your own BLab, and then adding in just the pictures when directed to do so, as well as answers to questions. These are typed in italics.

V. Results/Observation/Data

 Provide answers to all of the questions from your lab worksheet in complete statements for each section of the lab (indicated in italics).  Label each section.     

You should include photos from your lab for this section of your BLab.  Occasionally, you may need to design or use some sort of chart or graph to record the observations that you will make in each experiment.  Clearly label all graphs and charts, feel free to use computer programs and the best line fit when appropriate.  If calculations are required, show all work clearly.  

VI. Conclusion

For BLabs in this class, please respond to each of the objectives.