Instructions for the Formal Lab Report
BIO 131
Okay, I understand this is daunting for a number of you and old hat for a few. Let us take a second to think about what a formal lab report is. First and foremost it is a report on the experiment you performed. In this case that was the osmosis experiment dealing with potato cores (not the artificial cells at the end of the lab). Your goal is to write a report dealing with the occurrences in your experiment, its data, and the conclusions you can draw.
The Hypothesis
The core of the scientific method is the hypothesis. The hypothesis is that "testable statement" you make about the observations you made. Experimentation is designed to test the hypothesis and you draw conclusions as to whether the hypothesis was supported or not. Given this, it is easy to see why it is so important that generate a good, clean, effective hypothesis.
In class I made it point to say that I was only signing off on the general structure of your hypotheses, not that their validity or completeness. You should feel free to expand on your original hypothesis, though keep the core of it present (i.e. what was your prediction for the isotonic solution). Proof and expand all you want, but the base prediction should match your original hypothesis.
So what makes a good hypothesis. First it should be testable, so give definite values to compare against. Second, be aware of what you are actually testing and measuring, and mention that in the hypothesis. Third, use the proper terminology from your lab. Fourth, make the hypothesis a complete and self-contained thought. Summarize the experiment's goal in a single sentence or two.
General Grammar and Writing Style
Like it or not we are all judged on how we convey ideas in written form. This is not an English class and as such I do not want to read rough drafts. Write in clear, concise and complete English sentences. Spend some time to craft the final draft as a whole document, not just disparate segments that you throw together at the last minute.
Here are a few pitfalls to avoid.
DO NOT use the first person or self-reference to the lab group (i.e. "we then" or "I added")
DO use the past tense, remember this is a report of the experiment you did already.
DO pay attention to spelling and/or grammar
DO NOT assume I "know what you mean," write what you mean explicitly.
DO NOT use run-on sentences or sentence fragments.
DO NOT use lists, write the report as a coherent narrative.
DO NOT fluff up the material, be concise.
Sections - Introduction
This is where you give an overview of the theoretical background for the experiment and state your hypothesis. The whole section will probably be two paragraphs. The first dealing with the theory behind the experiment (use the right terminology). The second dealing with the specifics of the experiment and your hypothesis.
Sections - Methods
Remember to avoid listing the methods in this section. The narrative should be detailed enough that someone could replicate the work, but you don't need to add every minute aspect of the work. Of key importance is that you document any deviations from the existing protocols that your lab group had.
Sections - Graph
Your graph should take up and entire page and should either be done on a computer or very neatly by hand on graph paper.
The graph should have a descriptive title (what is the graph about).
All axes, units and series should be clearly labeled.
Use a legend only if needed.
Make good use of space on the paper
Think carefully about what you will graph out (what is most relevant to the hypothesis)
Sections - Results
Only describe the results of the experiment in this section, do not interpret them.
DO NOT list the results, you can add a table, but you NEED a narrative.
Sections - Conclusions
This is where you explain the data that you generated and how it relates to your hypothesis. The following are some helpful questions for you to ask yourself.
Was the hypothesis supported?
Were there factors that could have affected my experiment that we didn't control?
Did we deviate from the protocol, and could that have been a problem?
What is an uncontrolled variable versus an error?
How does this experiment tie together with your introduction?
DO NOT end with something like "I learned a lot..."
Pull it all Together
DO NOT wait until the last minute to print out your report, you will miss something.
DO NOT forget that it must be typed, handwritten reports will NOT be accepted.
DO NOT forget your graph.
CHECK, check, and recheck the spelling and grammar... remember, final draft.
You can collaborate, but independent reports are required, COPYING IS CHEATING and will result in a ZERO for all parties.
Use citations, if needed (proper MLA style)
Bring your report to lab stapled
NO EXCUSES ARE ACCEPTABLE.
Rubric
VALUE : 40 Pts.
Writing Style and Presentation : 10 pts.
Graph: 10 pts.
Scientific Understanding: 10 pts.
Conclusions and Results: 10 pts.
1-Day Late : -4 pts.
2-Days Late: -12 pts.
3-Days Late: -24 pts.
4-Days Late: -36 pts.
NO LATE EXCUSES ARE ACCEPTABLE, PERIOD.