Honors Chemistry: Guidelines for Writing Formal Laboratory Reports

Format (10 pts)

A formal laboratory report is a well-written and organized scientific paper. Sections include
introduction, materials, experimental procedure, data, calculations and analysis, questions, error and
conclusion. The report must be typed in 12 pt Times Roman or 11 pt Arial fonts except for recorded
laboratory data and possible calculations (5 pts). Chemical name and formulas will be written correctly
with roman numerals, copper (II) nitrate, and/or subscripts, Cu(NO3)2 and H2O (5 pts). Modifications to
the sections may occur depending on laboratory type.

Header (5 pts)

The title should include a laboratory title (1 pt), your FULL name (first and last) (1 pt) and those in your
laboratory group (1 pt), class period (1 pt) and the date of the laboratory was performed (1 pt).

Introduction (5 pts)

This is a short summary of what is to be achieved during the

experiment (3 pts). The laboratory technique should be described (2
pts).

Materials (10 pts)

Create a table listing chemicals used in the laboratory (2 pts). Include in the table the chemical name (2
pts), chemical formula (2 pts) and safety precautions (2 pts). Refer to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) at
www.flinnsci.com. If there are any additional or removal of equipment during the laboratory, then list
these modifications (2 pts). Do not list the original laboratory sheet materials, only the materials
necessary for laboratory modifications (2 pts).

Experimental Procedure (10 pts)

Write procedure changes if different from the original laboratory procedure (5 pts). For example, a
reaction spot plate was unavailable; therefore a well plate was substituted in its place. Do not write the
original procedure (5 pts).

Data, Calculations & Analysis (30 pts)

Data collected during the laboratory experiment should be included as is (10 pts). Data collection
should be organized and written neatly. Unless, there is a need to cross-out portions of data during the
laboratory. Collected data and/or graphs will be included as appendices to the laboratory i.e. attached
to the back of the typed laboratory.

Each new data table and/or graph should be included in the typed portion of the laboratory and labeled
appropriately (10 pts). Sample calculations should be provided with a correct equation, work and units
(10 pts). Microsoft Word has a program called Equation Editor. Click on INSERT tab to find equation
editor. If you do not use the equation editor, write the sample calculations neatly in black ink. If
calculations are repetitive, then provide only final answers in a table or graph.

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 Honors Chemistry: Guidelines for Writing Formal Laboratory Reports

Error (10 pts)

A written comparison between your results and known results should be completed. (5 pts) The error
analysis should include the percent error or percent yield equation when possible. Refer to textbook
pages 64-65 for more information.
||
= 100 % (5pts)

Conclusion (20 pts)

The conclusion should be written as a concise, scientific conclusion. It should be no longer than ten
sentences. There should be no use of first (I, we, my, our), second (you), third (they) person pronouns.
The conclusion will minimize findings, contain no empty findings, and be direct. Refer to Claim,
Evidence, and Reasoning Rubric to write the conclusion.

Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning Rubri

Component Level 1 (0 points) Level 2 (2 points) Level 3 (4 points)

Claim: a statement that
responds to the question asked
or the problem posed.
Evidence: scientific data used
to support the claim.
Does not make a claim, or makes
an inaccurate claim.
Does not provide evidence, or only
provides evidence that does not
support the claim.
Makes an accurate but incomplete
claim.
Provides appropriate, but
insufficient evidence to support
the claim. May include some
inappropriate evidence.
Makes an accurate and complete
claim.
Provides appropriate and
sufficient evidence to support the
claim.

Reasoning: Using Scientific
principles to show why data
count as evidence to support
the claim.
Does not provide reasoning, or
only provides reasoning that does
not link evidence to the claim.
Provides reasoning that links the
claim and evidence. Repeats the
evidence and/or includes some
scientific principles, but is not
sufficient.
Provides reasoning that links
evidence (qualitative and
quantitative) to the claim.
Includes appropriate and
sufficient scientific principle.

Explanation paragraph: Does not use complete sentences or Uses complete sentences and Uses complete sentences in a
complete sentences, logical attempt to arrange them logically demonstrates an attempt to logical order to explain and
flow, clearly links data and to support the claim. arrange them logically to support support the claim.
inferences to explain reasoning. the claim.

Limitations and sources of Does not attempt to discuss Attempts to demonstrate the Demonstrates the limits of the
error: demonstrates the limits limitations and error or provides limits of the data, but may not use data and highlights the tentative
of the data and tentative nature only irrelevant examples. appropriate evidence. nature of the conclusions.
of the conclusions.

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 Honors Chemistry: Guidelines for Writing Formal Laboratory Reports

General Conclusion Guidelines:

Questions: answer questions

Data/Observations: reason for evidence both qualitative and quantitative
Limitations: percent error/reason for error

Use this amazing graphic organizer if you need help writing the conclusion.

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Honors Chemistry: Guidelines for Writing Formal Laboratory Reports

Sample Conclusions & Comments:

Great Start! Introductory sentence makes a claim as to whether the question was answered,
without starting the paragraph with Yes, No, or In this lab.

Important Statement!
This section provides the experimental and actual empirical formulas.

A Must, Limitations and Correctly Formatted Chemical Formulas!

If you discuss the limitations (error) of the laboratory, then include percentage error values to
justify reasons for error.

Do Not Be Vague!
Vague statement verifying error in the laboratory. Reasons for error explain in calculations.
How can there be error in calculations if data has been mathematical checked?

Do Not Repeat, the Procedure!

Explain the results of the laboratory. Procedural steps are not necessary unless equipment or
procedure has be modified to improve or correct laboratory or to fix a possible problem.