LAB REPORT TEMPLATEARJ HONORS BIOLOGY

Student Name

Date

Mr. Martin

Honor’s Biology - Period

TITLE

The effect of [insert INDEPENDENT VARIABLE here] on reaction time as measured by the distance a ruler fell before being caught.

Introduction

This section should be written using active voice and NO personal pronouns. For example, DO NOT SAY “I/we studied the effect…” but rather “The effect that was studied…”. Write this intro by stating what was done in this experiment. Use the bullets below as guidelines but write using complete sentences.

  • identify the phenomenon that was studied
  • include relevant background information (normal reaction time for boys vs girls, how classes affect reaction time)
  • create and complete a table of variables (all tables need to be numbered and titled

Table 1 – Variables

Variable
Independent Variable
  • control group

  • experimental group

Dependent Variable
Controlled Variables

MATERIALS AND METHODS

  • list the materials that were used
  • insert a drawing/sketch/picture of your experimental set up (see image the right)
  • the figure must be labeled and sourced
    (Figure 1: Experimental Design, photo-credit Joseph Martin)
  • describe the steps that were performed
  • this is a list of what you did
  • it should be specific and detailed so that the experiment can be repeated.

RESULTS

  • create or insert all of your data tables (it should look some like the sample below)

Raw Data:

Table 2: Raw Data Lab Partner 1

Lab Partner 1 / Average distance the meter stick fell / mm
Trial 1 / mm / Trial 2 / mm / Trial 3 / mm / Trial 4 / mm / Trial 5 / mm
[Control Group]
[Experimental Group]

Table 3: Raw Data Lab Partner 2

Lab Partner 2 / Average distance the meter stick fell / mm
Trial 1 / mm / Trial 2 / mm / Trial 3 / mm / Trial 4 / mm / Trial 5 / mm
[Control Group]
[Experimental Group]

Table 4: Raw Data Lab Partner 3

Lab Partner 3 / Average distance the meter stick fell / mm
Trial 1 / mm / Trial 2 / mm / Trial 3 / mm / Trial 4 / mm / Trial 5 / mm
[Control Group]
[Experimental Group]

Table 5: Raw Data Lab Partner 4

Lab Partner 4 / Average distance the meter stick fell / mm
Trial 1 / mm / Trial 2 / mm / Trial 3 / mm / Trial 4 / mm / Trial 5 / mm
[Control Group]
[Experimental Group]

Processed Data:

NOTE: [This is the data that gets graphed]

Table 6: Average Data

Average Data / Average distance the meter stick fell / mm
Partner 1
Average / mm / Partner 2
Average / mm / Partner 3
Average / mm / Partner 4
Average / mm / Partner 5
Average / mm
[Control Group]
[Experimental Group]
  • create and insert graph
  • right click on the chart and select “Edit Data” to open the excel sheet to make the graph
  • notice the graph is large (about the width of the page)
  • label all axis and be sure the title is correct

DISCUSSION

  • explain what you think the data show
  • what does the data mean to you (remember no personal pronouns tho)

LITERATURE CITED

  • include sites for any background information (copy and paste the web address) – we will work on using proper formatting on the next lab.

THOUGHTS and GUIDE LINES:

  • the entire document should be written in the same font and same size
  • Acceptable sizes are 11 or 12 size. (Data tables with large amounts of numbers can be formatted with smaller size fonts to accommodate the numbers.
  • Use a “normal font” – recommended fonts are Calibri, Times New Roman, & Courier New.
  • Avoid the use of personal pronouns, (Do not use: I, me, we, my or our etc.)
  • Once you have finished the report review the document check for:
  • All the same size font
  • Headings are uniform (same style, indentation, punctuation…)
  • Spacing is uniform between text (there should not be large gaps between sections. Be consistent with formatting
  • Data tables should not wrap between two pages. If a table does not fit at the bottom of a page, move it to the next page by pushing the “Enter or Return” key.
  • Always proof read your paper. It is a good practice to proof read a classmate’s paper and have them proof read yours.
  • Lab Reports will need to be turned in at the beginning of class before the tardy bell rings. You have to have a hard copy (printed out)
  • Save all old lab reports electronically, you should maintain a class folder (USB flash drive or in the cloud like Google drive)