Science lab report sheet
A one-page report for students: aim, equipment, method, results table, graph and conclusion.
| Part of the report | Write here | |
|---|---|---|
| Title and date | ||
| Aim | ||
| Equipment | ||
| Method | ||
| Results (table) | ||
| Graph or diagram | ||
| Discussion | ||
| Conclusion | ||
| Sources of error |
Using this page
Writing a lab report
A good report lets another person repeat your experiment. State the aim in one sentence, list the equipment, and write the method as clear steps in the order you did them. Record the results in a table with headings and units, and draw a graph if the results show a trend.
Discussion and conclusion
In the discussion, explain what the results show and why, and link it to the science you have learnt. List sources of error, such as measuring mistakes or things that were not kept the same, and suggest how to improve them. The conclusion answers the aim in one or two sentences.
Tips for students
Write in the past tense and in the third person, for example The water was heated, rather than I heated the water. Use a ruler to draw tables and graphs, label the axes with units and give each graph a title. State exactly what you measured, and how many times you repeated the test. Teachers usually look for a fair test, accurate results and a conclusion that links back to the aim, so check these before you hand in the sheet.
Using the sheet
Print the sheet and fill it in during the experiment, rather than waiting until afterwards. Write the aim and the equipment first, then record the method and results as you work. A pencil is useful for drafts, and a pen is best for the final copy. If you need more room, attach a second page for the results table or graph. Teachers may mark the report using a checklist, so make sure that each part is complete and neatly written.