Chemistry Lab Reports

Write-Up Requirements

• Below are acceptable headings with descriptions for chemistry lab reports.
• Use the order shown.
• Where "/" is used to separate equivalent headings, the first heading is preferred.
• Typed reports are preferred.
• Diagrams (when used) can be hand drawn.
• Neatness and clarity count!

I like this short and direct description for lab write ups, the one below is modelled on it. Also look at Chemistry Coach for more detailed but general write up descriptions.

Title (Cover) Page

• Use a descriptive phrase for the title.
• Cover includes your name.
• Cover includes the date the report is completed (and submitted!).

Date (Starts report on page after Title page)

• Use month, date, year (July 1, 2005) format.
• Give both start and end dates of the lab activity if more than one day involved.
• Use the same style of heading/text throughout the rest of the report.

Purpose/Hypothesis/Introduction

• The purpose is a statement of what you trying to determine.
• An hypothesis is a statement of what do you think will happen or predict as a result of doing something as stated.
• An introduction is a brief description of why you are doing the lab, or what you are seeking information about.

Materials/Apparatus/Supplies

• List ALL items used in your lab.
• You may reference this, but note any changes/substitutions you made.

Procedure/Method

• Describes how to do the lab. (How to use the materials to repeat what you did!)
• Preferable to list as concise steps.
• You may reference this, but note any changes you made from the referenced procedure.

Safety Notes

• What safety hazards (equipment or chemical) did you face?
• What safety precautions should be taken.

Observations/Data/Results

• Record the numbers/measurements you collect (Quantitative data)
• Record other pertinent observations (Qualitative data).
• If possible use tables.
• Include graphs if appropriate.
• Include ALL even those that will be rejected later.

Calculations

• Show the math you used.
• Include formulas, units, use significant digits.
• If multiple calculations are repeated, show complete working of one as an example, and give results for others.

Conclusion

• Concise, direct statement of what you learned.
• Clear summary of your findings.
• If possible use a single sentence.

Error Discussion

• State/discuss any possible sources of error. (At least those most relevant to your results, from assumptions made, etc., see Appendix D page 838).
• If any data was rejected explain why here.
• Calculate your percent error (or percent deviation, see Appendix D page 838 in the text) if applicable.
• Include percent difference (do not include rejected data in this calculation) if applicable (see Appendix D page 839).

(Here is an example of a reference for materials.)

Materials

(Here is an example of a reference for a procedure.)

Procedure

J.M. Olds Chemistry Index Page