Proper Lab Format for AP Environmental
Key Reminders:
Turn It In:
- All lab reports should be in blue or black ink, if handwritten.
- Reports must be written in the 3rd person, past tense, passive voice.
- Use proper English grammar.
- Label each section with the appropriate title.
- Cite sources using in-text parenthetical citations according to the APA style, when necessary.
- Paraphrase. Do not plagiarize.
Turn It In:
- All formal reports will be submitted to turnitin.com
- Deductions will be made if your similarity report is greater than 20%; Any similarity report that is greater than 50% similarity will be turned into administration for plagiarism.
- Submit to your own teacher's account for turnitin.com; this information can be found in Canvas & will be provided in class.
Full Lab Report Layout:
"The Effect of the Independent Variable on the Dependent Variable" title for hypothesis based experiments OR title that clearly explains the experimental research topic
by Student Name (include any group members)
Date(s) of Experiment
Abstract
Write a concise summary of your project that includes the problem, hypothesis, and principal results. Do not exceed 250 words.
Introduction
This is the background section. In this section you research the literature to learn about what is already known about the topic/problem. From the review of literature/research, summarize information essential for understanding the problem. Answers any pre-laboratory questions within the essential information provided in the introduction as it relates to the problem. Make sure to relate information to the importance of the lab itself.
Procedure
Give a brief description of how the experiment is conducted. Be concise in how you vary the experimental groups.
Data and Observations
Produce a labeled table of your results, including units of measurements. Record the data that is required at each step of the lab: tables, charts, graphs, sketches, qualitative and quantitative data, etc.
Discussion and Conclusions
Restate the purpose of the study, major findings, and support of the hypothesis with the data findings. Focus on interpretation of results. Compare findings with other research: propose explanations for discrepancies. Be sure to provide appropriate literature citations. Make suggestions for procedural improvements and suggestions for further study. Answer any post-laboratory questions as related to results and findings.
Bibliography
List all books, papers, journal articles, communications used or referenced in order to write in the report. Follow the APA style
"The Effect of the Independent Variable on the Dependent Variable" title for hypothesis based experiments OR title that clearly explains the experimental research topic
by Student Name (include any group members)
Date(s) of Experiment
Abstract
Write a concise summary of your project that includes the problem, hypothesis, and principal results. Do not exceed 250 words.
Introduction
This is the background section. In this section you research the literature to learn about what is already known about the topic/problem. From the review of literature/research, summarize information essential for understanding the problem. Answers any pre-laboratory questions within the essential information provided in the introduction as it relates to the problem. Make sure to relate information to the importance of the lab itself.
Procedure
Give a brief description of how the experiment is conducted. Be concise in how you vary the experimental groups.
Data and Observations
Produce a labeled table of your results, including units of measurements. Record the data that is required at each step of the lab: tables, charts, graphs, sketches, qualitative and quantitative data, etc.
- Data Analysis – Results
- Calculations – show any calculations you used in interpreting the results.
- Graphs – provide any labeled, scaled graphs, to interpret the data that you collected.
- Summary of data trends – give a brief explanation of the observable trends/links in the results. You are not making explanations or conclusions about the data. You are not interpreting the data just stating the data.
Discussion and Conclusions
Restate the purpose of the study, major findings, and support of the hypothesis with the data findings. Focus on interpretation of results. Compare findings with other research: propose explanations for discrepancies. Be sure to provide appropriate literature citations. Make suggestions for procedural improvements and suggestions for further study. Answer any post-laboratory questions as related to results and findings.
Bibliography
List all books, papers, journal articles, communications used or referenced in order to write in the report. Follow the APA style