Be successful on your lab reports. Follow this checklist. This checklist will also be used by me for grading your lab report.

[    ] Proper Heading    
        Name:
        Date:
        Hour:

[    ] On Time

Lab Question

[    ] The lab question is written exactly as stated in class.

Hypothesis

[    ] The hypothesis answers the question directly.
[    ] The hypothesis does not begin with " I believe",  "I think", "My hypothesis" or
        "In my opinion".
[    ] Reasons are given for the hypothesis.
[    ] The hypothesis is stated in a complete sentence.

Materials

[   ] The materials are organized in a bulleted or numbered vertical list format.
[   ] All materials are included.

Procedure

[    ] The first important step in the lab is written first.
[    ] Each step has its own line.
[    ] Each step is numbered.
[    ] If the procedure needs to be timed then the amount of time is given.
[    ] If only certain amounts need to used of a substance, then amount is given.
[    ] If trials need to be repeated then there should be a step that clearly states that.
[    ] If there needs to be a cautionary remark in doing a certain step then that should
        stated. For example, "...be careful not to splash water out of cylinder when
                   putting in object to measure its volume."
[    ] All appropriate math formulas are given to calculate the dependent variable.

Data Table

[    ] It is titled by the independent and dependent variables.
[    ] The title is a statement - not in a question format.
[    ] All units are at the top of the column headings.
[    ] All math calculations are correct.
[    ] Numbers are formatted correctly (usually rounding to one decimal).
[    ] If the table is done on the computer then there are gridlines.

Graph

[    ] It is titled by the independent and dependent variables.
[    ] The title is a statement - not in a question format.
[    ] The x-axis has its own separate title.
[    ] The y-axis has its own separate title.
[    ] The axis with numbers has the units clearly stated.
[    ] There is a legend if more than one item is shown on the graph.
[    ] If there is more than one column in a bar graph on more than one line in line graph
        then there are colors or patterns used to differentiate the information.

Conclusion

[    ] The hypothesis is clearly repeated; for example, "The hypothesis that...."
[    ] The statement is made whether the hypothesis is correct {or not}.

[   ] Do not include reasons in your conclusion.

Analysis

[    ] This starts with a data presentation.
[    ] The data first addresses the statement that was made in the conclusion. If the    
        statement was made that the hypothesis was correct or not then data is given to
        reinforce that conclusion.
[    ] The rest of the date is presented in order to compare the data.
[    ] The constant variables are presented next (sources of error): State at least three.
[    ] The effects of the sources of error (S.O.E.) on the specific dependent variable
        are clearly explained.
[    ] The qualitative observations are made: Give at least three.
[    ] Appropriate reflective comments should be made as to the lab results and experience (final thoughts).

Miscellaneous

[    ] The lab report is in the proper sequence as ordered above.
[    ] The lab sections are spelled correctly.