lab experiment report template

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Lab Report Templates

40 lab report templates & format examples.

Lab report templates are documents which are written to explain, describe and analyze a laboratory experiment which investigates a scientific concept. Usually, they are assigned to students to be able to:

• Carry out a scientific research
• Formulate a hypothesis which is about a specific problem or stimulus
• Review related literature and written works to justify the formulated hypothesis
• Apply relevant statistics to be able to test your hypothesis
• Explore different theoretical explanations
• Evaluate research methodically and objectively
• Communicate clearly and specifically

Table of Contents

• 1 Lab Report Format
• 2.1 Lab Report Templates
• 2.2 Project Report Templates
• 3 Lab Report Examples
• 4.1 The Title of the Report
• 4.2 The Abstract
• 4.3 The Purpose or Introduction
• 4.4 Materials and Methodology
• 4.5 Findings and Results
• 4.6 Discussion
• 4.7 Conclusion
• 4.8 Tables and Other Figures
• 4.9 References
• 5 Lab Report Templates
• 6 Things to Do Before Writing Your Lab Report Template
• 7.1 The Pre-Lab Report
• 7.2 The In-Lab Responsibility
• 7.3 The Post-Lab Report
• 8 Sample Lab Report

When making such a report, it would be virtually impossible to rely on just one explanation for your findings. That is why it’s essential to come up with as many probable and related interpretations as you can. The importance of doing this is that even if your finding doesn’t end up supporting your hypothesis, they would still be worth something. You’d have different explanations which would demonstrate the validity of your findings in different contexts.

This article is all about these kinds of reports from the common types, to the parts and even some helpful tips to guide you in making your own report.

Lab Report Format

Types of Formal Lab Report Templates

Not all kinds of laboratory work would require a report. As a matter of fact, you would usually conduct an experiment and only record the numerical findings. However, if you do need to come up with a formal lab report template, it would be very useful for you to know the different types you can write.

These reports usually have a narrow scope, focused mainly on one problem or stimulus. There are different formats for these types of reports. You can make a report simply by filling in the information on blank lines in a worksheet or you can make a more comprehensive, full report which would contain all the parts (which will be discussed further on). Typically these types of reports would not contain references but students do usually refer to information from lectures or textbooks when making one. You can make different reports on different subjects such as:

• a chemistry lab report template
• a physics lab report template
• a science lab report template
• a biology lab report template

Project Report Templates

This type of report usually has a broader scope than the first one. It deals with a wider understanding of a particular topic or subject. When making this type of report, you don’t have to necessarily record the results of an experiment. Instead, you could provide a description of a design or a concept. Finally, this type of report includes the references used while making it.

Lab Report Examples

Parts of a Lab Report Template

In making a report, whether it’s a chemistry lab report template, a physics lab report template or any report for the subject which has been assigned to you, you’d have to know the different parts of the report. Knowing these would guide you as you are writing your report and all you’d have to do is come up with the content of each of the parts.

The Title of the Report

The title of the report should specify what the whole document is about and what you are studying or experimenting on. The title should explain the environmental factors which are to be manipulated, the parameter/s which are measured and the specific stimuli. It would be better to use concise terms and avoid adding any unnecessary terms just to add to the length of the title.

The Abstract

This is basically a reduced or summarized version of the entire report. It would typically be around 250 words only, not too lengthy. The abstract would be used to quickly understand the purpose, the methods, the results and the importance of your research without having to read the whole report.

Abstracts which are published in academic journals are very useful especially when you are conducting research in the library. You can go through them quickly to find out if the said report is related to your topic. You would have to order the content of your abstract the same way as you would the rest of the report:

• Start with a background sentence which would introduce your report.
• Write the main objective of your report and the hypothesis.
• Make a description of the key points in your methodology.
• Summarize your results quantitatively and qualitatively.

The Purpose or Introduction

The next would be the purpose or objective of your report. Start with the problem or the issue you are trying to solve then provide some background information about it. It should be direct, concise and easy to understand.

It should include a short review of previous literature which is relevant to your problem and an explanation on how your experiment will help to make clear or add to the existing knowledge. The final sentence of the introduction should be a purpose statement, which would specifically define the question which your experiment is meant to answer. To build the foundation of your introduction or purpose, you may have to use different resource materials.  

Materials and Methodology

This part would be all about how and when you had done your work. It should include the experimental design, materials, equipment and apparatus used in the experiment, the methodology you had used to gather and analyze the data and all other types of control.

All the information you write here must be clear and in full detail so anyone who would like to replicate your experiment will be able to. Since you have already done all these procedures, you have to write this part using the past tense. Here are some tips for you:

• Use either a passive voice or an active first person voice when making your descriptions.
• Reference any and all methodology which you have adapted from other sources.
• Make use of illustrations, photographs, maps and such, if needed to describe the experimental setup.
• Make a description of the procedures you had altered as compared to the procedures which you had used as a reference.

Findings and Results

When presenting the results or findings, just write down your observations and all the relevant data without adding any interpretations or conclusions about their meaning. When organized and written well, this section would provide the structure for the next part of your report.

Document all of your findings in the order you’ve made your observations. Make sure to use complete sentences so they would be easier to understand. You can also use diagrams, tables and such which would support the results and possibly make them even easier to understand.

• It would be better to use both worded and numerical data in describing your results. Also, make sure to use appropriate terminologies.
• Use the past tense when describing your findings.
• Detailed calculations or results can be added to your report as an appendix.  

In this section, you would be discussing your results and findings. You would be explaining how your research or experiment related to the previous work which had been done in the same field. You’d also make explanations about what you think your results mean.

• Make a description of the relations and patterns which had emerged.
• Discuss why you had observed what you did, how the results happened and how it is related to the whole purpose of your experiment.
• Make a comparison of your results to the trends which are described in the published literature as well as to theoretical behavior.
• Supplement your interpretations with different references.
• Make sure you are always descriptive so that your discussion part will be easy to understand by the readers.
• Here you would have to either accept or reject the hypothesis you had written. Provide an explanation why using the findings of your experiment.

The very last part of your formal lab report template would be the conclusion. Here you’d have to include a short sentence which would restate the purpose, the main results and how these results are important to the field of study.  

Tables and Other Figures

These are often added into a report to present data which is more complicated. Here are some guidelines for you:  

• Tables are just tables while all other relevant items like diagrams , maps, graphs and such are referred to as figures.
• Number all your tables and figures in order so they can easily be located when they are referred to in the rest of the text.
• All the tables and figures must also have their own titles which are self-explanatory so that they can be understood on their own.

You may include the references you had used throughout your whole research and experimentation or not. However, if you do, you must write them down appropriately and well.

• It’s usually a list which is written on a separate page at the end of the report.
• All information which is not originally your must be included in the reference section.
• Reference all the literature which you had used as well.

If you’re making a formal report, whether it’s a science lab report template, a biology lab report template or such, you have to include all these sections. For further reference, there are plenty of report samples available online. But before you start writing your report, you have to do a few things, which we will be discussing next.

Things to Do Before Writing Your Lab Report Template

Writing a formal lab report template can be quite a tedious process, especially if you’re not prepared. Probably the very best way to prepare yourself is to make sure that you completely understand everything you need to about the whole experiment. Here are a few steps to guide you:

• Do as much research as you can about your experiment. Here are some important questions to ask yourself:
• What am I to learn from the experiment?
• What experiments are to be done in the lab?
• What procedures am I to do and why will I do them that way?
• Why would I benefit from the knowledge I gain from the experiment?
• Consult with a lab supervisor or anyone who you know has ample knowledge about the experiment or the research.
• Plan all the steps of the experiment with much thought. Don’t rush into things. Think of each step thoroughly so you can be sure that you will perform the experiment accurately.
• Take some time to think about an ideal way to collect and organize the results and findings before you even start. If you need to, create tables and forms to jot down the data more effectively.
• If you are working with a group, make sure to communicate well with everyone. Consult before making decisions and ask questions to make sure that everything is clear.
• Your audience must also be a consideration. Just because the report is yours or your group’s, it doesn’t mean that no one else will be reading it. Therefore it is important to keep in mind that you would need to record everything. Documenting everything will be helpful to you and to the other people who will be reading your report.

No matter what you do, preparing must always be part of the entire process so that everything else will flow a lot more smoothly. Now let’s move on to some tips to help you out as you are writing your lab report template.

Tips for Writing Your Lab Report Template  

Making a great formal lab report template would involve a lot of steps. From the moment you decide to make do the experiment all the way to the end. Here we’ve compiled for you a few tips to guide you from start to finish. Read on and be guided by these steps:  

The Pre-Lab Report

• The introduction would discuss the problem which is being studied or experimented on as well as the relevant theories. Typically it would be 4-5 sentences long.
• The idea here would be to summarize your report in a short paragraph. Use your own words rather than copying words from other literature.
• Include a background sentence which would explain why you are doing the experiment, what is its importance as well as other experiments which have been made in the past.
• Write down the goal of your experiment – what you are planning to do and what you are hoping to achieve . This is probably one of the most important parts so make sure to think about this carefully.
• You would also have to elaborate on some of the techniques and methodologies which you are planning to use to achieve your goal . If you think it is relevant, write it down, especially when you are making your draft.
• Remember to keep your introduction direct and brief. No one wants to read a report when just the introduction would be too long.
• The procedural flowchart of your report can be longer than the introduction but it should not exceed one page. An effective flowchart would give the reader a good idea and understanding of what is to be done in the experiment even without much detail.
• This would serve as a “roadmap” of the experiment. A flowchart is more visual and typically a lot easier to understand than a list of detailed steps. It should cover all the steps briefly, in a manner which is easy to follow.
• Sentences must be short and simple. Making this would allow you to really think about the procedures of your experiment as you try to summarize them. You don’t just rewrite the procedure in a flowchart format; instead, you’d have to reword them.  

The In-Lab Responsibility

• When gathering and taking down data, always write with a pen. This is to ensure that relevant information doesn’t get erased.
• Immediately record data in a place where you won’t lose it – such as in a notebook or on a piece of paper which is filed in a folder. Never record data on scrap paper which you might end up throwing away.
• Until you’ve made your report and finalized it, try not to throw anything out. You never know, the things you’ve thrown out may contain information vital to your report.
• As much as you can, back-up the all your results and findings. This is so that you don’t lose any important information.
• Aside from gathering data, results, and findings, it’s also very important to make note of observations. As you are going through with the experiment, note down all the different observations which you may interpret while making your report.
• Write everything down in a notebook or something similar then while you are making your report, you can use your notes to build the content. Observations are key to making a great report. As you write them down, you will be able to remember crucial details while you are creating your report at the end of the experiment. So always remember: write what you are doing and do what you are writing.  

The Post-Lab Report

• From the raw data which you had collected, start recopying everything in a more organized way. Place the data in tables, graphs or any kind of presentation which you would think make the data readable and easy to understand.
• When calculations are involved, it would be ideal to include all the formulas you are using in your calculations. It would help you make your calculations and it would also help the readers understand how you’ve made your calculations.
• Include all the work you have done to reach the final numbers which you would be adding to your conclusion. In doing this, you will be able to come to accurate results. It’s a good practice to calculate and recalculate using the formulas so that you are sure of your answers.
• When working in a group, more than one members of the group should try making the calculations so you can check whether you arrive at the same answers.
• Calculations are an important part of the report (when they are needed) so you should be sure that they are all correct. Making mistakes in this area might lower your credibility and compromise the results and findings of your experiment.
• The conclusion of your report is a lot similar to the introduction. The main difference is it would summarize everything you did instead of everything you are planning to do.
• The conclusion is very important because your report might be quite long and the reader may not remember all the key points when they reach the end of the document. It would also give you a chance to give an explanation if anything had gone wrong or if you have any suggestions for improvement.
• Much like the introduction, your conclusion should be short and direct. To help you out further, make sure to include the following:
• Briefly restate the methodology you had gone through.
• Reiterate all the results you had calculated as well as all of your findings. You don’t have to include the raw data, just the key results which are most relevant to the experiment.
• Write down what you think the findings mean. Whether the results are good or bad, you would have to make comments about the results. Include some of your interpretations as well, as long as you remember not to make the conclusion too lengthy.
• Finally, write a concluding statement which would provide closure to your whole report.
• When you are done with the report, proofread it. Check for any errors and check if all your spellings and grammar are correct. If working in a group, make sure more than one of the members of the group would be in charge of proofreading.

Sample Lab Report

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How To Write A Lab Report | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Published on May 20, 2021 by Pritha Bhandari . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A lab report conveys the aim, methods, results, and conclusions of a scientific experiment. The main purpose of a lab report is to demonstrate your understanding of the scientific method by performing and evaluating a hands-on lab experiment. This type of assignment is usually shorter than a research paper .

Lab reports are commonly used in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This article focuses on how to structure and write a lab report.

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Table of contents

Structuring a lab report, introduction, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about lab reports.

The sections of a lab report can vary between scientific fields and course requirements, but they usually contain the purpose, methods, and findings of a lab experiment .

Each section of a lab report has its own purpose.

• Title: expresses the topic of your study
• Abstract : summarizes your research aims, methods, results, and conclusions
• Introduction: establishes the context needed to understand the topic
• Method: describes the materials and procedures used in the experiment
• Results: reports all descriptive and inferential statistical analyses
• Discussion: interprets and evaluates results and identifies limitations
• Conclusion: sums up the main findings of your experiment
• References: list of all sources cited using a specific style (e.g. APA )
• Appendices : contains lengthy materials, procedures, tables or figures

Although most lab reports contain these sections, some sections can be omitted or combined with others. For example, some lab reports contain a brief section on research aims instead of an introduction, and a separate conclusion is not always required.

If you’re not sure, it’s best to check your lab report requirements with your instructor.

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Your title provides the first impression of your lab report – effective titles communicate the topic and/or the findings of your study in specific terms.

Create a title that directly conveys the main focus or purpose of your study. It doesn’t need to be creative or thought-provoking, but it should be informative.

• The effects of varying nitrogen levels on tomato plant height.
• Testing the universality of the McGurk effect.
• Comparing the viscosity of common liquids found in kitchens.

An abstract condenses a lab report into a brief overview of about 150–300 words. It should provide readers with a compact version of the research aims, the methods and materials used, the main results, and the final conclusion.

Think of it as a way of giving readers a preview of your full lab report. Write the abstract last, in the past tense, after you’ve drafted all the other sections of your report, so you’ll be able to succinctly summarize each section.

To write a lab report abstract, use these guiding questions:

• What is the wider context of your study?
• What research question were you trying to answer?
• How did you perform the experiment?
• What did your results show?
• How did you interpret your results?
• What is the importance of your findings?

Nitrogen is a necessary nutrient for high quality plants. Tomatoes, one of the most consumed fruits worldwide, rely on nitrogen for healthy leaves and stems to grow fruit. This experiment tested whether nitrogen levels affected tomato plant height in a controlled setting. It was expected that higher levels of nitrogen fertilizer would yield taller tomato plants.

Levels of nitrogen fertilizer were varied between three groups of tomato plants. The control group did not receive any nitrogen fertilizer, while one experimental group received low levels of nitrogen fertilizer, and a second experimental group received high levels of nitrogen fertilizer. All plants were grown from seeds, and heights were measured 50 days into the experiment.

The effects of nitrogen levels on plant height were tested between groups using an ANOVA. The plants with the highest level of nitrogen fertilizer were the tallest, while the plants with low levels of nitrogen exceeded the control group plants in height. In line with expectations and previous findings, the effects of nitrogen levels on plant height were statistically significant. This study strengthens the importance of nitrogen for tomato plants.

Your lab report introduction should set the scene for your experiment. One way to write your introduction is with a funnel (an inverted triangle) structure:

• Start with the broad, general research topic
• Narrow your topic down your specific study focus
• End with a clear research question

Begin by providing background information on your research topic and explaining why it’s important in a broad real-world or theoretical context. Describe relevant previous research on your topic and note how your study may confirm it or expand it, or fill a gap in the research field.

This lab experiment builds on previous research from Haque, Paul, and Sarker (2011), who demonstrated that tomato plant yield increased at higher levels of nitrogen. However, the present research focuses on plant height as a growth indicator and uses a lab-controlled setting instead.

Next, go into detail on the theoretical basis for your study and describe any directly relevant laws or equations that you’ll be using. State your main research aims and expectations by outlining your hypotheses .

Based on the importance of nitrogen for tomato plants, the primary hypothesis was that the plants with the high levels of nitrogen would grow the tallest. The secondary hypothesis was that plants with low levels of nitrogen would grow taller than plants with no nitrogen.

Your introduction doesn’t need to be long, but you may need to organize it into a few paragraphs or with subheadings such as “Research Context” or “Research Aims.”

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A lab report Method section details the steps you took to gather and analyze data. Give enough detail so that others can follow or evaluate your procedures. Write this section in the past tense. If you need to include any long lists of procedural steps or materials, place them in the Appendices section but refer to them in the text here.

You should describe your experimental design, your subjects, materials, and specific procedures used for data collection and analysis.

Experimental design

Briefly note whether your experiment is a within-subjects  or between-subjects design, and describe how your sample units were assigned to conditions if relevant.

A between-subjects design with three groups of tomato plants was used. The control group did not receive any nitrogen fertilizer. The first experimental group received a low level of nitrogen fertilizer, while the second experimental group received a high level of nitrogen fertilizer.

Describe human subjects in terms of demographic characteristics, and animal or plant subjects in terms of genetic background. Note the total number of subjects as well as the number of subjects per condition or per group. You should also state how you recruited subjects for your study.

List the equipment or materials you used to gather data and state the model names for any specialized equipment.

List of materials

35 Tomato seeds

15 plant pots (15 cm tall)

Light lamps (50,000 lux)

Nitrogen fertilizer

Measuring tape

Describe your experimental settings and conditions in detail. You can provide labelled diagrams or images of the exact set-up necessary for experimental equipment. State how extraneous variables were controlled through restriction or by fixing them at a certain level (e.g., keeping the lab at room temperature).

Light levels were fixed throughout the experiment, and the plants were exposed to 12 hours of light a day. Temperature was restricted to between 23 and 25℃. The pH and carbon levels of the soil were also held constant throughout the experiment as these variables could influence plant height. The plants were grown in rooms free of insects or other pests, and they were spaced out adequately.

Your experimental procedure should describe the exact steps you took to gather data in chronological order. You’ll need to provide enough information so that someone else can replicate your procedure, but you should also be concise. Place detailed information in the appendices where appropriate.

In a lab experiment, you’ll often closely follow a lab manual to gather data. Some instructors will allow you to simply reference the manual and state whether you changed any steps based on practical considerations. Other instructors may want you to rewrite the lab manual procedures as complete sentences in coherent paragraphs, while noting any changes to the steps that you applied in practice.

If you’re performing extensive data analysis, be sure to state your planned analysis methods as well. This includes the types of tests you’ll perform and any programs or software you’ll use for calculations (if relevant).

First, tomato seeds were sown in wooden flats containing soil about 2 cm below the surface. Each seed was kept 3-5 cm apart. The flats were covered to keep the soil moist until germination. The seedlings were removed and transplanted to pots 8 days later, with a maximum of 2 plants to a pot. Each pot was watered once a day to keep the soil moist.

The nitrogen fertilizer treatment was applied to the plant pots 12 days after transplantation. The control group received no treatment, while the first experimental group received a low concentration, and the second experimental group received a high concentration. There were 5 pots in each group, and each plant pot was labelled to indicate the group the plants belonged to.

50 days after the start of the experiment, plant height was measured for all plants. A measuring tape was used to record the length of the plant from ground level to the top of the tallest leaf.

In your results section, you should report the results of any statistical analysis procedures that you undertook. You should clearly state how the results of statistical tests support or refute your initial hypotheses.

The main results to report include:

• any descriptive statistics
• statistical test results
• the significance of the test results
• estimates of standard error or confidence intervals

The mean heights of the plants in the control group, low nitrogen group, and high nitrogen groups were 20.3, 25.1, and 29.6 cm respectively. A one-way ANOVA was applied to calculate the effect of nitrogen fertilizer level on plant height. The results demonstrated statistically significant ( p = .03) height differences between groups.

Next, post-hoc tests were performed to assess the primary and secondary hypotheses. In support of the primary hypothesis, the high nitrogen group plants were significantly taller than the low nitrogen group and the control group plants. Similarly, the results supported the secondary hypothesis: the low nitrogen plants were taller than the control group plants.

These results can be reported in the text or in tables and figures. Use text for highlighting a few key results, but present large sets of numbers in tables, or show relationships between variables with graphs.

You should also include sample calculations in the Results section for complex experiments. For each sample calculation, provide a brief description of what it does and use clear symbols. Present your raw data in the Appendices section and refer to it to highlight any outliers or trends.

The Discussion section will help demonstrate your understanding of the experimental process and your critical thinking skills.

In this section, you can:

• Interpret your results
• Compare your findings with your expectations
• Identify any sources of experimental error
• Explain any unexpected results
• Suggest possible improvements for further studies

Interpreting your results involves clarifying how your results help you answer your main research question. Report whether your results support your hypotheses.

• Did you measure what you sought out to measure?
• Were your analysis procedures appropriate for this type of data?

Compare your findings with other research and explain any key differences in findings.

• Are your results in line with those from previous studies or your classmates’ results? Why or why not?

An effective Discussion section will also highlight the strengths and limitations of a study.

• Did you have high internal validity or reliability?
• How did you establish these aspects of your study?

When describing limitations, use specific examples. For example, if random error contributed substantially to the measurements in your study, state the particular sources of error (e.g., imprecise apparatus) and explain ways to improve them.

The results support the hypothesis that nitrogen levels affect plant height, with increasing levels producing taller plants. These statistically significant results are taken together with previous research to support the importance of nitrogen as a nutrient for tomato plant growth.

However, unlike previous studies, this study focused on plant height as an indicator of plant growth in the present experiment. Importantly, plant height may not always reflect plant health or fruit yield, so measuring other indicators would have strengthened the study findings.

Another limitation of the study is the plant height measurement technique, as the measuring tape was not suitable for plants with extreme curvature. Future studies may focus on measuring plant height in different ways.

The main strengths of this study were the controls for extraneous variables, such as pH and carbon levels of the soil. All other factors that could affect plant height were tightly controlled to isolate the effects of nitrogen levels, resulting in high internal validity for this study.

Your conclusion should be the final section of your lab report. Here, you’ll summarize the findings of your experiment, with a brief overview of the strengths and limitations, and implications of your study for further research.

Some lab reports may omit a Conclusion section because it overlaps with the Discussion section, but you should check with your instructor before doing so.

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A lab report conveys the aim, methods, results, and conclusions of a scientific experiment . Lab reports are commonly assigned in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The purpose of a lab report is to demonstrate your understanding of the scientific method with a hands-on lab experiment. Course instructors will often provide you with an experimental design and procedure. Your task is to write up how you actually performed the experiment and evaluate the outcome.

In contrast, a research paper requires you to independently develop an original argument. It involves more in-depth research and interpretation of sources and data.

A lab report is usually shorter than a research paper.

The sections of a lab report can vary between scientific fields and course requirements, but it usually contains the following:

• Abstract: summarizes your research aims, methods, results, and conclusions
• References: list of all sources cited using a specific style (e.g. APA)
• Appendices: contains lengthy materials, procedures, tables or figures

The results chapter or section simply and objectively reports what you found, without speculating on why you found these results. The discussion interprets the meaning of the results, puts them in context, and explains why they matter.

In qualitative research , results and discussion are sometimes combined. But in quantitative research , it’s considered important to separate the objective results from your interpretation of them.

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40 Useful Lab Report Examples (& Free Templates)

Those who have conducted laboratory tests as students or professionals are usually required to submit a lab report after the process. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate how well you understand the scientific method by conducting, then evaluating an experiment. A lab report format sample is significantly shorter compared to a research paper. Fields that use laboratory reports include technology, science, mathematics, and engineering.

• 1 Lab Report Examples
• 2 What is a lab report?
• 3 Lab Report Formats
• 4 Why do you need a lab report?
• 5 Lab Report Samples
• 6.2 Abstract
• 6.3 Introduction
• 6.4 Methods and Materials
• 6.5 Results
• 6.6 Discussion
• 6.7 Conclusion
• 6.8 Reference
• 7 Lab Report Templates
• 8 How to write a lab report?

Lab Report Examples

What is a lab report.

A lab report is a written document that describes and analyzes an experiment performed in a laboratory that involves a scientific concept. These are usually assigned for the following purposes:

• To conduct scientific research.
• To formulate a hypothesis or hypotheses about a specific event, behavior, or stimulus.
• To review relevant or related literature to justify the hypothesis.
• To allow another person to replicate your experiment by providing enough details and information.
• To apply statistics for the purpose of testing your hypothesis.
• To explore various theoretical explanations.
• To evaluate research methodically and objectively.
• To communicate precisely and concisely.

When it comes to lab reports, it’s impossible to depend on just one explanation for your results or findings. This means that you should provide as many relevant and potential interpretations as possible. Even when you discover that your findings don’t support your hypothesis, you should still consider those findings valuable.

You can use them to explain that within your study’s contextual constraints, your argument wasn’t reliable. As such, you can move on to other areas of research without making the same mistakes. Also, any findings you have can potentially open other avenues for other people to investigate your hypothesis even under varying conditions.

There are also possibilities that during your experiment, you experience unforeseen conditions or circumstances that weren’t possible to control and isolate. You can use these to justify your final results. Another important aspect that you should consider when writing your report is the grammatical style or voice you use.

In recent years, it’s become acceptable to use the active voice while making references to yourself whenever relevant. When making your report, you should check the instructions of your assignment to make sure you use the right voice. You also have to use a consistent voice throughout your report. If you will use a style guide, follow the guide from start to finish.

Lab Report Formats

Why do you need a lab report.

Laboratory reports are an essential aspect of the scientific process. Here are some reasons why you need this report:

• You can use it to communicate your findings in the lab to anyone who wasn’t present during the experiments. That way, they can understand and even replicate your experiment.
• You can use it for future experiments and studies or make suggestions for alterations to methods you have already used.

Make sure to write your laboratory report for those who are already familiar with the scientific study or field but haven’t performed the experiment yet.

Lab Report Samples

What to include in your lab report.

A lab report template usually follows a structured and straightforward procedure. Since each part of the report has its significance, you should spend enough time to write each part carefully. Laboratory reports have specific elements, which you must include:

The title should describe the experiment and show what you analyzed in your experiment.

This is the summary of your experiment and it should familiarize the readers with the research topic. As a rule, you would write the abstract last even though it’s at the beginning of your report. When writing the abstract, try answering these questions:

• Why did you conduct the experiment or research?
• What problem will you address?
• What results did you find?
• What do the results mean?
• Do you have a better understanding of the problem now?

Introduction

You will use this part of the report to discuss the problem you’re studying and other theories relevant to understanding your findings. Also, you will state here the hypothesis of your experiment and your motivation for conducting the research.

Methods and Materials

In this section, you will provide your readers with an overview of the apparatus, equipment, or substances you used. You will also list the steps you took throughout the experiment. If you used any specific number of materials, make sure to list these details too. For the steps, you need to list these as you performed them during the experiment.

The results are the data you have found or collected from your experiment. Provide an explanation of how you collected this data. You can use charts , graphs, and other visual aids when presenting the data in this section.

This section is where you will analyze the results of your experiment along with providing a discussion of your data. You need to provide an analysis of the weaknesses and strengths of your experiment’s design, then compare your results with the results of similar experiments. Try to answer these questions while writing this section:

• What do your findings indicate?
• What is the significance of the results?
• Have you found any knowledge gaps?
• Have you raised any new questions?

This section will serve as the summation of your experiment. You need to clearly state what you learned from the experiment and its significance.

Don’t forget to cite all of the sources that helped support your claims or explain any background information. You should list these references in this section.

Lab Report Templates

How to write a lab report.

People involved in scientific experimentation or investigations should know how to write scientific reports. The main part of scientific investigations takes place in the lab and this may include connecting equipment, obtaining samples and supplies, repairing, checking the consistency of each apparatus, calibration, and data collection. You can do all of these things through experimentation. After conducting the experiment, you would then spend a lot of time presenting the results in an objective, concise, conclusive, and critical format.

This is the laboratory report . An organized report is more influential and effective compared to one without a structure. There aren’t any standard rules for writing a good report. But you should know that you may only get one chance to influence your readers.

A badly-written report will turn your reader off while a well-written one will have an impact on your credibility. It can give you better chances of promotion or employment. Your report can also catch the attention of the scientific community. Here are the steps to follow when writing this report:

• Think of the Title

Remember that the title of your report will draw the first impression from your readers. As such, you need to have an effective title that will communicate your topic or findings in specific terms. The title doesn’t have to be very thought-provoking or creative. The important thing is to make it informative.

• Write the introduction

The introduction will provide your readers with significant background information, explain the experiment, and what it will accomplish, and highlight its importance. This section should include a hypothesis and a purpose because you will go back to these in your conclusion when you evaluate your entire experiment.

A well-written introduction must cite all relevant sources like journal articles and more to provide accurate background information. When writing the introduction, you may consider using the funnel method. This involves starting with your topic’s broadest point of interest. From there, gradually narrow down the information to more specific details.

• List the methods and materials

When it comes to the methods, you should include the details of the steps you used to gather your data, then analyze it. You should provide enough details so that others can evaluate or follow your procedures. When writing this section, use the past tense. If there are situations where you must include a long list of materials or steps, it’s recommended to place them in a separate Appendices section. Just remember to refer to them in the text too.

You should also provide a description of your experimental design, materials, subjects, and procedures you used for collecting and analyzing the data. Then include a list of materials and equipment you used to collect data. Specify the names of the models of any specialized equipment you used. Include a detailed description of your experimental conditions and settings. If needed, add labeled images or diagrams of the exact set-up of the experimental equipment.

Then also add an explanation of how you controlled extraneous variables either through fixing or restricting them at a certain level. When describing your procedures, make sure to write the exact steps you took to collect data – and list these chronologically. You should also provide sufficient information so that anyone who wants to replicate your experiment can do so successfully. Be as concise as possible and add detailed information wherever appropriate.

When conducting an experiment in a lab, there is a high chance that you will follow a laboratory manual while gathering data. If you’re a student, your instructor might allow you to reference the manual, then state whether you modified any steps for practical considerations.

But there are instructors who might ask you to rewrite the procedures in the laboratory manual as complete sentences and coherent paragraphs while taking note of any changes you have made to the steps during your experiment. If you will perform extensive data analysis, make sure to state the analysis you have planned too. This may include the types of tests you will perform and any relevant software or programs you will use for calculations.

• Indicate the results and the discussion

In this section, you will include all of your results along with any relevant tables and figures with their proper labels. Your results should use the narrative found in the materials and methods section.

You should explain your results through your figures and tables without using too much text. Or if you will explain your results and discussions through words, you don’t have to add too many tables and figures. For example, in chemistry, you would write the results and discussions as a single section. But in biology, you would write them separately

It is in the discussion section where you will use theories to explain how you have achieved your results. Also, explain what those results might imply. Don’t forget to include any mistakes you have committed and how those mistakes may have influenced your data. Remember that discussion isn’t only about reporting results.

You also have to analyze them. This means the inclusion of shapes of graphs, discussion trends, implications of the data, comparisons to known theories or values, and any outliers. Also, a discussion about the accuracy of your results is essential. You should know exactly what your instructor will require for this section.

• Come up with the conclusion

The final section of your report is the conclusion. This section will contain a summary of your experiment’s findings along with a short overview of the weaknesses and strengths. Also, include any implications your study has for future research. There are some reports that don’t require a conclusion because it will overlap with the discussion. Before you add or omit this section, confirm with your instructor first.

• Write the abstract

The abstract will provide a comprehensive yet concise summary of your research project. The style you use in writing this should be short, but you don’t have to use note form. You can look through samples if you need guidance. The aim of the abstract is to briefly explain the following:

• Begin with a 1 to 2 sentence summary that provides the rationale and aim of your study.
• Describe the setting and participants.
• Describe the method, design, experimental treatment, questionnaires, surveys, tests, and more.
• Describe the main findings including any relevant statistics along with significance levels.
• The final sentences should outline your study’s contribution to the knowledge within the literature.

While you will place the abstract at the start of your report, you would write this part at the end since you will summarize the information from the other sections of your lab report.

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How to Write a Lab Report – with Example/Template

April 11, 2024

Perhaps you’re in the midst of your challenging AP chemistry class in high school, or perhaps college you’re enrolled in biology , chemistry , or physics at university. At some point, you will likely be asked to write a lab report. Sometimes, your teacher or professor will give you specific instructions for how to format and write your lab report, and if so, use that. In case you’re left to your own devices, here are some guidelines you might find useful. Continue reading for the main elements of a lab report, followed by a detailed description of the more writing-heavy parts (with a lab report example/lab report template). Lastly, we’ve included an outline that can help get you started.

What is a lab report?

A lab report is an overview of your experiment. Essentially, it explains what you did in the experiment and how it went. Most lab reports end up being 5-10 pages long (graphs or other images included), though the length depends on the experiment. Here are some brief explanations of the essential parts of a lab report:

Title : The title says, in the most straightforward way possible, what you did in the experiment. Often, the title looks something like, “Effects of ____ on _____.” Sometimes, a lab report also requires a title page, which includes your name (and the names of any lab partners), your instructor’s name, and the date of the experiment.

Abstract : This is a short description of key findings of the experiment so that a potential reader could get an idea of the experiment before even beginning.

Introduction : This is comprised of one or several paragraphs summarizing the purpose of the lab. The introduction usually includes the hypothesis, as well as some background information.

Lab Report Example (Continued)

Materials : Perhaps the simplest part of your lab report, this is where you list everything needed for the completion of your experiment.

Methods : This is where you describe your experimental procedure. The section provides necessary information for someone who would want to replicate your study. In paragraph form, write out your methods in chronological order, though avoid excessive detail.

Data : Here, you should document what happened in the experiment, step-by-step. This section often includes graphs and tables with data, as well as descriptions of patterns and trends. You do not need to interpret all of the data in this section, but you can describe trends or patterns, and state which findings are interesting and/or significant.

Discussion of results : This is the overview of your findings from the experiment, with an explanation of how they pertain to your hypothesis, as well as any anomalies or errors.

Conclusion : Your conclusion will sum up the results of your experiment, as well as their significance. Sometimes, conclusions also suggest future studies.

Sources : Often in APA style , you should list all texts that helped you with your experiment. Make sure to include course readings, outside sources, and other experiments that you may have used to design your own.

How to write the abstract

The abstract is the experiment stated “in a nutshell”: the procedure, results, and a few key words. The purpose of the academic abstract is to help a potential reader get an idea of the experiment so they can decide whether to read the full paper. So, make sure your abstract is as clear and direct as possible, and under 200 words (though word count varies).

When writing an abstract for a scientific lab report, we recommend covering the following points:

• Background : Why was this experiment conducted?
• Objectives : What problem is being addressed by this experiment?
• Methods : How was the study designed and conducted?
• Results : What results were found and what do they mean?
• Conclusion : Were the results expected? Is this problem better understood now than before? If so, how?

How to write the introduction

The introduction is another summary, of sorts, so it could be easy to confuse the introduction with the abstract. While the abstract tends to be around 200 words summarizing the entire study, the introduction can be longer if necessary, covering background information on the study, what you aim to accomplish, and your hypothesis. Unlike the abstract (or the conclusion), the introduction does not need to state the results of the experiment.

Here is a possible order with which you can organize your lab report introduction:

• Intro of the intro : Plainly state what your study is doing.
• Background : Provide a brief overview of the topic being studied. This could include key terms and definitions. This should not be an extensive literature review, but rather, a window into the most relevant topics a reader would need to understand in order to understand your research.
• Importance : Now, what are the gaps in existing research? Given the background you just provided, what questions do you still have that led you to conduct this experiment? Are you clarifying conflicting results? Are you undertaking a new area of research altogether?
• Prediction: The plants placed by the window will grow faster than plants placed in the dark corner.
• Hypothesis: Basil plants placed in direct sunlight for 2 hours per day grow at a higher rate than basil plants placed in direct sunlight for 30 minutes per day.
• How you test your hypothesis : This is an opportunity to briefly state how you go about your experiment, but this is not the time to get into specific details about your methods (save this for your results section). Keep this part down to one sentence, and voila! You have your introduction.

How to write a discussion section

Here, we’re skipping ahead to the next writing-heavy section, which will directly follow the numeric data of your experiment. The discussion includes any calculations and interpretations based on this data. In other words, it says, “Now that we have the data, why should we care?”  This section asks, how does this data sit in relation to the hypothesis? Does it prove your hypothesis or disprove it? The discussion is also a good place to mention any mistakes that were made during the experiment, and ways you would improve the experiment if you were to repeat it. Like the other written sections, it should be as concise as possible.

Here is a list of points to cover in your lab report discussion:

• Weaker statement: These findings prove that basil plants grow more quickly in the sunlight.
• Stronger statement: These findings support the hypothesis that basil plants placed in direct sunlight grow at a higher rate than basil plants given less direct sunlight.
• Factors influencing results : This is also an opportunity to mention any anomalies, errors, or inconsistencies in your data. Perhaps when you tested the first round of basil plants, the days were sunnier than the others. Perhaps one of the basil pots broke mid-experiment so it needed to be replanted, which affected your results. If you were to repeat the study, how would you change it so that the results were more consistent?
• Implications : How do your results contribute to existing research? Here, refer back to the gaps in research that you mentioned in your introduction. Do these results fill these gaps as you hoped?
• Questions for future research : Based on this, how might your results contribute to future research? What are the next steps, or the next experiments on this topic? Make sure this does not become too broad—keep it to the scope of this project.

How to write a lab report conclusion

This is your opportunity to briefly remind the reader of your findings and finish strong. Your conclusion should be especially concise (avoid going into detail on findings or introducing new information).

Here are elements to include as you write your conclusion, in about 1-2 sentences each:

• Restate your goals : What was the main question of your experiment? Refer back to your introduction—similar language is okay.
• Restate your methods : In a sentence or so, how did you go about your experiment?
• Key findings : Briefly summarize your main results, but avoid going into detail.
• Limitations : What about your experiment was less-than-ideal, and how could you improve upon the experiment in future studies?
• Significance and future research : Why is your research important? What are the logical next-steps for studying this topic?

Template for beginning your lab report

Here is a compiled outline from the bullet points in these sections above, with some examples based on the (overly-simplistic) basil growth experiment. Hopefully this will be useful as you begin your lab report.

1) Title (ex: Effects of Sunlight on Basil Plant Growth )

2) Abstract (approx. 200 words)

• Background ( This experiment looks at… )
• Objectives ( It aims to contribute to research on…)
• Methods ( It does so through a process of…. )
• Results (Findings supported the hypothesis that… )
• Conclusion (These results contribute to a wider understanding about…)

3) Introduction (approx. 1-2 paragraphs)

• Intro ( This experiment looks at… )
• Background ( Past studies on basil plant growth and sunlight have found…)
• Importance ( This experiment will contribute to these past studies by…)
• Hypothesis ( Basil plants placed in direct sunlight for 2 hours per day grow at a higher rate than basil plants placed in direct sunlight for 30 minutes per day.)
• How you will test your hypothesis ( This hypothesis will be tested by a process of…)

4) Materials (list form) (ex: pots, soil, seeds, tables/stands, water, light source )

5) Methods (approx. 1-2 paragraphs) (ex: 10 basil plants were measured throughout a span of…)

6) Data (brief description and figures) (ex: These charts demonstrate a pattern that the basil plants placed in direct sunlight…)

7) Discussion (approx. 2-3 paragraphs)

• Support or reject hypothesis ( These findings support the hypothesis that basil plants placed in direct sunlight grow at a higher rate than basil plants given less direct sunlight.)
• Factors that influenced your results ( Outside factors that could have altered the results include…)
• Implications ( These results contribute to current research on basil plant growth and sunlight because…)
• Questions for further research ( Next steps for this research could include…)
• Restate your goals ( In summary, the goal of this experiment was to measure…)
• Restate your methods ( This hypothesis was tested by…)
• Key findings ( The findings supported the hypothesis because…)
• Limitations ( Although, certain elements were overlooked, including…)
• Significance and future research ( This experiment presents possibilities of future research contributions, such as…)
• Sources (approx. 1 page, usually in APA style)

Final thoughts – Lab Report Example

Hopefully, these descriptions have helped as you write your next lab report. Remember that different instructors may have different preferences for structure and format, so make sure to double-check when you receive your assignment. All in all, make sure to keep your scientific lab report concise, focused, honest, and organized. Good luck!

For more reading on coursework success, check out the following articles:

• How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay (With Example)
• How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay (With Example)
• 49 Most Interesting Biology Research Topics
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20 FREE Lab Report Templates and Examples

Most people love laboratory experiments because they are fun. They also guarantee you an opportunity to get out of the box and experience something new. You must understand laboratory experiments usually accompany that lab reports.

Lab reports are written to analyze, describe, and explain laboratory experiments that investigate a scientific concept. If you are not well informed about lab reports, worry less because this article will update you more about the lab report template.

What Is a Lab Report?

A lab report is a comprehensive documentation of a conducted experiment in the laboratory in conjunction with the findings. Therefore, a lab report needs to capture the full details. Furthermore, it should be presented in a predefined format. This enables anyone who needs to go through it and refer to it in the future to do so quickly. Remember, a lab report has a structure that includes the title, abstract, introduction, method, results in analysis and discussion, conclusion, and references. A powerful introduction is likely to make you win your lab report easily.

What is a Lab Report Template?

A lab report template is documentation (format) written to analyze, describe and explain the laboratory experiment that investigates a scientific concept. On multiple occasions, they are usually assigned to students to:

• Communicate specifically and clearly
• Evaluate research objectively and methodically
• Explore varying theoretical explanation
• Apply essential statistics, which enables them to test their hypothesis
• Review written works and related literature for formulated hypothesis justification
• Develop a hypothesis addressing a particular stimulus or problem
• Conduct a scientific research

Lab Report Templates & Examples

Essential Elements of a Lab Report Template

Whenever you need to develop a report, whether a physics or chemistry lab report template or any assigned report, you must familiarize yourself with varying parts of a report; these elements will guide you when writing your report. You only need to have the content for each part. Below are some elements of a lab report template:

The report’s title

The report’s title must specify what your entire documentation is about and what you are experimenting on or studying. In addition, your title should explain all the environmental factors, especially those manipulated, specific stimuli, and the measured parameters. Ideally, it would be appropriate to use concise terms and avoid unnecessary terms to make your title length.

You must know that the abstract summarizes your entire report and it is not lengthy. It can be approximately 250 words. On the other hand, you can use the abstract to understand the purpose of the research, the method used, results, and the value of your research without going through the whole report. Published academic journals are helpful, more so when conducting library research. You can evaluate them quickly to see if they match you’re your topic. The content of your abstract needs to match the content of your whole report. Below is how you should write your abstract:

• Commence with the background sentence to introduce your report
• State the main objective of the report as well as the hypothesis
• The key points must have a description of your methodology
• Summarize the entire results qualitatively and quantitatively

Introduction

This also serves as the purpose of your report. First, you must commence with the issue you are addressing. After that, generate your background information about your report. It must be easy to understand, concise, and direct.

Similarly, it must entail a short review of the previous literature. However, this must be relevant to the explanation and problem you are addressing. The last sentence of your introduction is the purpose statement, which defines the question your experiment answers. You must know that the introduction is the foundation of your report, and you need to use varying resource materials.

Methodology and material

This element includes the apparatus, equipment, materials, and experimental design you used to succeed in your experiment. It proves the methodology you used to analyze and gather your data, including the entire control type.

Besides, it ensures that the information you write is detailed to enable anyone to replicate your experiment comfortably. Since you have conducted all the procedures, you must note these parts in the past tense. Here are several tips you need to implement:

• Use a first active person voice or passive voice in the description
• State your reference as well as the entire methodology that you have adapted from your other sources
• Indicate all the maps, photographs, and illustrations, more so if you are needed to describe your experiment setup
• Describe the procedures you altered in comparison to the procedures you used in your reference

Finding and results

Under this section, you need to write down your relevant data without any interpretation or even conclusions. Additionally, this section can provide a structure when written well and organized, especially for the next part of the report.

Ensure that you document your entire findings in the order of your observation from the first step of your experiment. Use complete sentences for easy understanding. Similarly, you can also opt to use tables, diagrams that support your results, making them easier to understand.

• Use numerical and worded data in your result description. Ensure that you use appropriate terminologies.
• Use past tense to describe your findings
• Comprehensive results or calculations can be added to your report to act as an appendix

Here you must discuss all your findings and results. You can explain how your research varies from the one conducted previously in the same field. Explain more about your results and what it means.

• Describe the emerged relations and patterns
• Discuss your observation, results, and how is related to the objective of your experiment
• Compare your results to the other published literature and the theoretical behavior
• Supplement your interpretation with varying references
• Ensure you are descriptive to enable your discussion to be easy to understand by your readers
• You can reject or accept your written hypothesis, followed by an explanation using the experiment findings

This is the last part of your lab report template. The conclusion needs to feature short sentences to restate the primary results and indicate the importance of your field of study.

Tables and other figures

They are usually added to the report to stand in for complicated data. Here are several guidelines for you:

• Tables are tables, while relevant items such as graphs, maps, and diagrams are figures
• Number your entire figures and tables for easy location when referred in your rest text
• The figure and tables must have their titles that are self-explanatory for easy understanding

Here you need to include the references you used throughout the entire research as well as experimentation. You also need to indicate them down appropriately.

• It is a list written on a separate page, and this is at the end of the report
• You must also include the information which is not original in this section
• Refer to all the literature you have used

Before You Begin Preparing Your Lab Report Template

Writing a lab report template can be tricky sometimes, more so if someone is not prepared. Therefore, ensure that you know everything you need before you commence your experiment. The steps below will guide you.

Conduct sufficient research concerning your experiment and ask yourself some questions, such as:

• What should you learn from your experiment?
• What experiments should be carried out in the lab?
• What procedures should you do, and why should you follow them?
• What will you benefit from the investigation?

Consult with your lab supervisor or anyone else who knows about your experiment.

Plan the entire steps of your analysis and avoid rushing. Handle each step thoroughly to experiment accurately.

Think of the ideal way to present your results and finding before commencing your project.

If you are handling the experiment as a group, ensure that you communicate well with your group members.

Consider your audience by recording everything that makes your investigation relevant.

Types of Formal Lab Report Templates

You must know that not all types of laboratory work need a report. Thus, it would be great to know the formal lab report templates that require a report. Here are the types of formal lab report templates:

Project report templates

This type of project is broader since it requires a broader understanding of a particular subject or topic. This report does not need you to record the experiment results, but you can generate a concept or design description. These reports require you to include the reference.

Lab report templates

The lab reports feature a narrow scope, which aims at one problem. There are varying formats of such reports. You can opt to fill in your findings in your blank worksheet lines. Likewise, you can make a full report. It does not contain references, but students refer to the textbooks or lectures when experimenting. Lab report templates can be of different topics, such as a biology, science, physics, or chemistry lab report template.

Tips for Writing Your Lab Report

Developing a lab report can entail many steps from the beginning to the end of your experiment. Here are some tips you must consider from the start to the end of your lab report:

Pre-lab report

It would help if you started with the introduction to enlighten your audience and group members on the experiment. This should be around 4 to 5 sentences long. Likewise, you can opt to summarize your entire report in just a short paragraph. Formulate your own words instead of copying from other people’s literature. Make sure that you include the background report to explain the purpose of the experiment.

State the goals of the experiment. You must also explain some of the methodologies and techniques you are likely to use and achieve your objectives. Remember, your introduction needs to be brief and direct. The procedural flowchart should be longer compared to the introduction part. However, it should not exceed a page. It acts as the roadmap of your experiment. Use simple and short sentences.

In-lab responsibility

Here, you must use a pen to write down your data. This is a guarantee that you will not miss out on the relevant information. Save the data where you cannot lose it either in your notebook or a piece of paper, which is filled. Avoid throwing things until you finalize your entire report. This will help you not to lose essential information. Ensure that you note down your observation and interpret when making your report. Write everything in your notebook and use it to build the content of your report.

Post-lab report

From the raw data you had collected in your notebook, recopy everything in an organized manner. You can use graphs and tables to make your data easy to understand and readable. Include the formulas you used in your calculations. The calculations should be accurate and confirmed by at least one or two members of the group. Ensure that you include the entire work you have done in your experiment. Your conclusion should be similar to your introduction. The difference only comes in when you summarize everything in the conclusion section. Bear in mind that the conclusion should be direct and short.

Similarly, you can briefly indicate the methodology you have used. Then, restate your finding, which should be relevant to your experiment. Next, indicate the meaning of your finding. After that, write the conclusion of your report and proofread to eliminate errors and mistakes in your grammar.

What is the lab report format?

A lab report format includes several sections: the title, abstract, introduction, method, results, and discussion. However, the appendices, references, abstract, and title pages are usually on separate pages.

How do you start a lab report?

You commence with a broad introduction to your topic, then narrow down more about the topic you want to investigate and the importance of the study. Ensure that your introduction includes the literature review to discuss what you already know about the topic. You also need to write down the objective of your study.

How do you name a lab report?

The title should have what you are covering in your entire report. It should be brief and direct. Make sure you use the keyword in your topic.

How long does it take to write a lab report?

Approximately 8 to 10 hours, but some can take a minimal duration because they are faster to write.

How many pages should a lab report be?

Your report does not need to exceed 4 to 5 texts pages. Furthermore, the writing style needs to be grammatical, concise, and clear.

This comprehensive post has made you more informed about the lab report template. You now understand its elements, the common types, and the tips you must consider to develop a clear and appropriate lab report template. This type of report analyzes describes and explains the laboratory experiments that investigate the scientific concept.

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How to Write a Lab Report

Lab Reports Describe Your Experiment

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Lab reports are an essential part of all laboratory courses and usually a significant part of your grade. If your instructor gives you an outline for how to write a lab report, use that. Some instructors require a lab report to be included in a lab notebook , while others will request a separate report. Here's how to write a lab report you can use if you aren't sure what to write or need an explanation of what to include in the different parts of the report.

A lab report is how you explain what you did in ​your experiment, what you learned, and what the results meant.

Lab Report Essentials

Not all lab reports have title pages, but if your instructor wants one, it would be a single page that states:​

• The title of the experiment.
• Your name and the names of any lab partners.
• Your instructor's name.
• The date the experiment was performed or the date the report was submitted.

The title says what you did. It should be brief (aim for ten words or less) and describe the main point of the experiment or investigation. An example of a title would be: "Effects of Ultraviolet Light on Borax Crystal Growth Rate". If you can, begin your title using a keyword rather than an article like "The" or "A".

Introduction or Purpose

Usually, the introduction is one paragraph that explains the objectives or purpose of the lab. In one sentence, state the hypothesis. Sometimes an introduction may contain background information, briefly summarize how the experiment was performed, state the findings of the experiment, and list the conclusions of the investigation. Even if you don't write a whole introduction, you need to state the purpose of the experiment, or why you did it. This would be where you state your hypothesis .

List everything needed to complete your experiment.

Describe the steps you completed during your investigation. This is your procedure. Be sufficiently detailed so that anyone can read this section and duplicate your experiment. Write it as if you were giving directions for someone else to do the lab. It may be helpful to provide a figure to diagram your experimental setup.

Numerical data obtained from your procedure usually presented as a table. Data encompasses what you recorded when you conducted the experiment. It's just the facts, not any interpretation of what they mean.

Describe in words what the data means. Sometimes the Results section is combined with the Discussion.

Discussion or Analysis

The Data section contains numbers; the Analysis section contains any calculations you made based on those numbers. This is where you interpret the data and determine whether or not a hypothesis was accepted. This is also where you would discuss any mistakes you might have made while conducting the investigation. You may wish to describe ways the study might have been improved.

Conclusions

Most of the time the conclusion is a single paragraph that sums up what happened in the experiment, whether your hypothesis was accepted or rejected, and what this means.

Figures and Graphs

Graphs and figures must both be labeled with a descriptive title. Label the axes on a graph, being sure to include units of measurement. The independent variable is on the X-axis, and the dependent variable (the one you are measuring) is on the Y-axis. Be sure to refer to figures and graphs in the text of your report: the first figure is Figure 1, the second figure is Figure 2, etc.

If your research was based on someone else's work or if you cited facts that require documentation, then you should list these references.

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Complete Guide to Writing a Lab Report (With Example)

Students tend to approach writing lab reports with confusion and dread. Whether in high school science classes or undergraduate laboratories, experiments are always fun and games until the times comes to submit a lab report. What if we didn’t need to spend hours agonizing over this piece of scientific writing? Our lives would be so much easier if we were told what information to include, what to do with all their data and how to use references. Well, here’s a guide to all the core components in a well-written lab report, complete with an example.

Things to Include in a Laboratory Report

The laboratory report is simply a way to show that you understand the link between theory and practice while communicating through clear and concise writing. As with all forms of writing, it’s not the report’s length that matters, but the quality of the information conveyed within. This article outlines the important bits that go into writing a lab report (title, abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, conclusion, reference). At the end is an example report of reducing sugar analysis with Benedict’s reagent.

The report’s title should be short but descriptive, indicating the qualitative or quantitative nature of the practical along with the primary goal or area of focus.

Following this should be the abstract, 2-3 sentences summarizing the practical. The abstract shows the reader the main results of the practical and helps them decide quickly whether the rest of the report is relevant to their use. Remember that the whole report should be written in a passive voice .

Introduction

The introduction provides context to the experiment in a couple of paragraphs and relevant diagrams. While a short preamble outlining the history of the techniques or materials used in the practical is appropriate, the bulk of the introduction should outline the experiment’s goals, creating a logical flow to the next section.

Some reports require you to write down the materials used, which can be combined with this section. The example below does not include a list of materials used. If unclear, it is best to check with your teacher or demonstrator before writing your lab report from scratch.

Step-by-step methods are usually provided in high school and undergraduate laboratory practicals, so it’s just a matter of paraphrasing them. This is usually the section that teachers and demonstrators care the least about. Any unexpected changes to the experimental setup or techniques can also be documented here.

The results section should include the raw data that has been collected in the experiment as well as calculations that are performed. It is usually appropriate to include diagrams; depending on the experiment, these can range from scatter plots to chromatograms.

The discussion is the most critical part of the lab report as it is a chance for you to show that you have a deep understanding of the practical and the theory behind it. Teachers and lecturers tend to give this section the most weightage when marking the report. It would help if you used the discussion section to address several points:

• Explain the results gathered. Is there a particular trend? Do the results support the theory behind the experiment?
• Highlight any unexpected results or outlying data points. What are possible sources of error?
• Address the weaknesses of the experiment. Refer to the materials and methods used to identify improvements that would yield better results (more accurate equipment, better experimental technique, etc.)  

Finally, a short paragraph to conclude the laboratory report. It should summarize the findings and provide an objective review of the experiment.

If any external sources were used in writing the lab report, they should go here. Referencing is critical in scientific writing; it’s like giving a shout out (known as a citation) to the original provider of the information. It is good practice to have at least one source referenced, either from researching the context behind the experiment, best practices for the method used or similar industry standards.

Google Scholar is a good resource for quickly gathering references of a specific style . Searching for the article in the search bar and clicking on the ‘cite’ button opens a pop-up that allows you to copy and paste from several common referencing styles.

Example: Writing a Lab Report

Title : Semi-Quantitative Analysis of Food Products using Benedict’s Reagent

Abstract : Food products (milk, chicken, bread, orange juice) were solubilized and tested for reducing sugars using Benedict’s reagent. Milk contained the highest level of reducing sugars at ~2%, while chicken contained almost no reducing sugars.

Introduction : Sugar detection has been of interest for over 100 years, with the first test for glucose using copper sulfate developed by German chemist Karl Trommer in 1841. It was used to test the urine of diabetics, where sugar was present in high amounts. However, it wasn’t until 1907 when the method was perfected by Stanley Benedict, using sodium citrate and sodium carbonate to stabilize the copper sulfate in solution. Benedict’s reagent is a bright blue because of the copper sulfate, turning green and then red as the concentration of reducing sugars increases.

Benedict’s reagent was used in this experiment to compare the amount of reducing sugars between four food items: milk, chicken solution, bread and orange juice. Following this, standardized glucose solutions (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%) were tested with Benedict’s reagent to determine the color produced at those sugar levels, allowing us to perform a semi-quantitative analysis of the food items.

Method : Benedict’s reagent was prepared by mixing 1.73 g of copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate, 17.30 g of sodium citrate pentahydrate and 10.00 g of sodium carbonate anhydrous. The mixture was dissolved with stirring and made up to 100 ml using distilled water before filtration using filter paper and a funnel to remove any impurities.

4 ml of milk, chicken solution and orange juice (commercially available) were measured in test tubes, along with 4 ml of bread solution. The bread solution was prepared using 4 g of dried bread ground with mortar and pestle before diluting with distilled water up to 4 ml. Then, 4 ml of Benedict’s reagent was added to each test tube and placed in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes, then each test tube was observed.

Next, glucose solutions were prepared by dissolving 0.5 g, 1.0 g, 1.5 g and 2.0 g of glucose in 100 ml of distilled water to produce 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% solutions, respectively. 4 ml of each solution was added to 4 ml of Benedict’s reagent in a test tube and placed in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes, then each test tube was observed.

Results : Food Solutions (4 ml) with Benedict’s Reagent (4 ml)

Glucose Solutions (4 ml) with Benedict’s Reagent (4 ml)

Semi-Quantitative Analysis from Data

Discussion : From the analysis of food solutions along with the glucose solutions of known concentrations, the semi-quantitative analysis of sugar levels in different food products was performed. Milk had the highest sugar content of 2%, with orange juice at 1.5%, bread at 0.5% and chicken with 0% sugar. These values were approximated; the standard solutions were not the exact color of the food solutions, but the closest color match was chosen.

One point of contention was using the orange juice solution, which conferred color to the starting solution, rendering it green before the reaction started. This could have led to the final color (and hence, sugar quantity) being inaccurate. Also, since comparing colors using eyesight alone is inaccurate, the experiment could be improved with a colorimeter that can accurately determine the exact wavelength of light absorbed by the solution.

Another downside of Benedict’s reagent is its inability to react with non-reducing sugars. Reducing sugars encompass all sugar types that can be oxidized from aldehydes or ketones into carboxylic acids. This means that all monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, etc.) are reducing sugars, while only select polysaccharides are. Disaccharides like sucrose and trehalose cannot be oxidized, hence are non-reducing and will not react with Benedict’s reagent. Furthermore, Benedict’s reagent cannot distinguish between different types of reducing sugars.

Conclusion : Using Benedict’s reagent, different food products were analyzed semi-quantitatively for their levels of reducing sugars. Milk contained around 2% sugar, while the chicken solution had no sugar. Overall, the experiment was a success, although the accuracy of the results could have been improved with the use of quantitative equipment and methods.

Reference :

• Raza, S. I., Raza, S. A., Kazmi, M., Khan, S., & Hussain, I. (2021). 100 Years of Glucose Monitoring in Diabetes Management.  Journal of Diabetes Mellitus ,  11 (5), 221-233.
• Benedict, Stanley R (1909). A Reagent for the Detection of Reducing Sugars.  Journal of Biological Chemistry ,  5 , 485-487.

Using this guide and example, writing a lab report should be a hassle-free, perhaps even enjoyable process!

About the Author

Sean is a consultant for clients in the pharmaceutical industry and is an associate lecturer at La Trobe University, where unfortunate undergrads are subject to his ramblings on chemistry and pharmacology.

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WTO / Business / Reports / How to Write a Lab Report (20 Free Templates)

How to Write a Lab Report (20 Free Templates)

A lab report is a crucial document in any scientific inquiry. They provide the description and analysis of a laboratory experiment performed to explore a scientific concept. Whether you are taking a biology, physics, or chemistry course, the report is a prerequisite to finishing the course. These reports are formal documents and should be written accordingly.

Types of Lab Reports

There are two formal types of lab reports: internal and external.

Internal lab reports

These reports are primarily written for use within a company as well as within educational institutions and research centers , thus, the writer is addressing fellow employees who are probably familiar with the methodology and equipment used in the experiment. Since the target audience of an internal report is within the same organization, the language is less formal, and the report itself focuses more on the results.

External lab reports

Reports can also be prepared for external use. These kinds of reports are written for clients who are not familiar with the methodology or equipment used in the process. Therefore, an external report is more formal than an internal one. 

When writing this report, the client might have requirements about the specificity of the format used, methodology, and equipment. It is worth noting that these reports are often confidential as the clients have paid for them and are thus the owners of all the information they contain.

Free Templates

Elements of a Lab Report

Since it is a formal document, you must pay attention to the format and layout of the report when writing one.

The following elements are at the core of any properly written report:

The title page is an important section of a report. The title of the report must be brief and be able to indicate its contents. The idea behind the title is to present the crux of the investigation.

Point to Remember

Since it is supposed to be brief, you should aim for a maximum of ten words. Also, ensure that it is not written in the form of a question. 

Other items that could be included on the title page include the names of the participants in the investigation, the instructor’s or supervisor’s name, and the date of the investigation and submission. However, these items are only included if requested.

An abstract is basically the summary of the report , written in a concise and comprehensive manner. Abstracts are written in continuous form, not as a note.  The abstract should be about 150 words .

An ideal abstract should be able to answer the following questions:

• What is the rationale for research?
• Who are the participants in the research?
• What methodologies have been used in the research?
• What are the major findings?
• What is the implication of the findings?

Even though an abstract is placed at the beginning of a report, you should write it after writing the other sections of the document, as it is a summary of what has been investigated and thus cannot be prepared before all steps of the experiments are completed.

Introduction

The introduction section of the report is also called the “purpose” of the report, as it explains the objectives of the investigation. Ideally, the introduction section should explain why the research was conducted. Here, you need to start with a broad statement of the topic and explain the hypothesis. Remember, the introduction must also be as brief and concise as possible.

The following five steps can help you write an outstanding introduction section:

• Introduce the topic briefly and define key terms
• Explain the theoretical framework used in the research
• Explain the relationships between previous studies and your theoretical framework and how they influenced your research
• Explain how your current study seeks to address the literature gaps. You may show how your research aims to provide solutions to the problems of previous studies
• Mention the hypotheses, clearly stating what you are going to investigate and the expected results.

Materials used

This section of the report requires you to list all the materials used in your research. You should accurately list any equipment used in the research. However, you are not required to provide extensive details of the materials used; just a simple list is enough.

Methodology

Explain the techniques used to analyze the information . In this section, provide details about the methods adopted to conduct the research so that the reader can evaluate the validity and reliability of the research. You must vividly describe the details of the investigation process too.

It is critical to include enough details in the methodology to allow anyone to replicate the experiment and achieve the same results. The best approach to writing the methodology is to write it as a guide for someone else to use it in the lab to perform the same experiment. In addition to providing sufficient details, you should also include diagrams to illustrate the steps of the experiment.

In this section, you must be able to show the steps taken to complete your experiment. It is important to be precise and to explain the procedure vividly and in detail so that someone could use it to perform the same experiment and achieve the same results. This section may need to have a diagram explaining the setup of your experiment.

Here are the useful things to note about this section:

• Accurately describe the process you followed during the experiment. 
• Be as detailed as possible to allow replication of findings.
• Avoid adding extraneous details such as record sheets and debriefs.

Useful tips to guide you when writing the procedures section:

• Always assume the reader has no prior knowledge and relies on your explanation to replicate the experiment.
• Use the past tense in this section as it has already happened.
• Do not provide extra details or  justification for choosing your method and simply state the steps of the procedure.
• While giving the details, be concise, but only to allow replication of the experiment; do not overburden the reader with unnecessary details.

The results section of the report presents both descriptive and inferential statistics. In other words, the results section uses figures to present the observed data. You should not interpret the data, as that is done in the next section. In this section, do not present raw data. Use APA style while presenting the results.

Here are the writing conventions of APA style that you should follow:

• All the numbers are reported to 2 decimal places e.g. “0.61”. There are some exceptions to this rule i.e., numbers that can never exceed 1.0 ( e.g. r- values, p-values): reporting to 3 decimal places without including 0 before the decimal place, e.g. .002
• Percentages and degrees of freedom are reported as whole numbers.
• You should italicize all statistical symbols, which are not Greek letters e.g. t, F, SD, d, p .
• Either side of the equal sign should have spaces.
• You should put  all the reports of 95% confidence intervals (CIs), lower and upper limits in brackets, e.g. “95% CI [7337, 102.23]”

This section allows you to summarize all the findings from your experiment and relate them to your initial hypothesis. It is important to use plain English that does not have statistical jargon. It is this section that allows you to discuss the results of your experiment, comparing them to background studies related to the field. 

The discussion section should also:

• Acknowledge the limitations of the study. However, you should ensure that the limitations can explain the result obtained. If the experiment achieved reliable results, be very careful when you mention the limitations as it will jeopardize the validity of your results. It is advisable to omit this section out if you cannot think of a unique variable explaining the results instead of the Instrumental Variables.  
• Suggest ways of improving the study.
• Discuss the implication of the experiment’s findings.
• Suggest constructive ideas for future research based on your results. You could identify an area of limitation to be the basis of future research.

Finally, you should have a concluding paragraph that explains the key points of the discussion in 3 or 4 sentences.

Figures and graphs

The report should have figures and graphs presented in a separate section. All the graphs should have a descriptive title. Ensure that all graphs include the units of measurement. Always ensure that the X-axis has the independent variable while the Y-axis has the dependent variable. Always refer to the figures and graphs in the text of the report. Figures are labeled in chronological order, so the first figure is Figure 1.

This section contains all the sources cited in the report. Remember, you must use the APA formatting style for referencing. Take note of the referencing techniques used for the following:

If you have cited a book in your report, it should be written using this format:

Author’s name. (year of publication). Title of work. Location: Publisher.

2. Journal articles

You should use the following format for referencing a  journal article:

Names of all the authors, separated by a comma, (year of publication). Title of the article. Title of the journal, volume number (issue number), page numbers.

Quick Tips for Writing Good Lab Report

Here are some quick tips that you can use to write a proper report:

• Be brief : You should write concisely. Attempt to cover all the points in a few words and be straightforward.
• Write in the third person : When you are describing the procedure in your report, you should not use the first-person pronouns “I,” “we,” and “my.” Use the third-person perspective, as that is considered the appropriate style for scientific documents.
• Use correct verb tenses: The past tense is the correct tense to be used for scientific documents, as the experiment has already been conducted. However, when referring to equipment, you will use the present tense. Be mindful of how you use the verb tenses.
• Mention real results: Always write about the actual results of your experiment. Avoid the temptation to lie about the results to validate your hypothesis. If you did not achieve the desired results, you can suggest ways to improve them rather than lying about them.
• Do not copy a lab manual : Whilst a lab manual can be extremely helpful in guiding the purpose of the experiment, you should not copy it to describe your results. Your  report should be written in your own words.

Frequently Asked Questions

It might take a college student at least 8 hours to write a good report. Take note that this is the time for writing reports, not performing the experiment.

Since these reports are formal, they should follow the formal writing guidelines. A lab report should use Times New Roman font size 12 and be double-spaced.

Yes, lab reports must have page numbers mentioned on each page of the document.

Final Thoughts

A lab report is a scientific document, and its formality and importance cannot be undermined. Whether you are writing one for a college assignment or a corporate purpose, you must ensure that it contains  all the elements that make a comprehensive lab document. If you are unsure how to write one, you should download the templates to guide you.

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A lab report documents the theory, methods, and results of your experiment to demonstrate your understanding of research and scientific methodology. In this article, we’ll tell you how to write a lab report with the help of some useful examples.

For many students, writing a lab report can be confusing: how to format it, what to include and not include, and so on. The questions are endless! Just remember that your lab report will allow others to reproduce your results and draw their own conclusions. This will help you write a lab report that’s well-formatted and organized.

In true Resource Center fashion, let’s start with the basics: What exactly is a lab report?

Need help creating a perfect lab report? Learn more

What is a lab report? 

A laboratory report is a document written to describe and analyze an experiment that addresses a scientific inquiry. A lab report helps you conduct an experiment and then systematically design a conclusion based on your hypothesis. 

Note: A lab report is not the same as a lab notebook. A notebook is a detailed log you keep throughout the study. A lab report is a concise summary that you submit after the study is done, usually for a final grade. 

A lab report typically follows this format:  

• Title 

Introduction 

• Equipment/Materials 
• Methods 
• Discussion 
• References 

This is a broad list of sections you might have to include in your lab report, but by no means is this compulsory or exhaustive. You should always refer to the course or university guidelines to understand the desired format. 

How to Write a Lab Report

A lab report should be clear, concise, and well-organized, and it should include all the necessary information for others to replicate your experiment. Since the lab report format is designed to serve this purpose, you must follow it to the bone while writing your report.

Let’s start with learning how to title a lab report.

Title  

The title of your lab report should:

• Be clear, direct, and informative.
• Include keywords that clarify your objectives and involved variables.
• Be under ten words (ideally).

It’s a good idea to avoid phrasing the title as a question. Remember, your title doesn’t have to be witty or clever, just descriptive and to the point. Here are a few title examples that can clarify this for you:

• Unraveling the genetic code through gel electrophoresis.
• Hot and cold: How temperature affects enzymes yeast cells
• Impervious alloys of Aluminium
• How fast does Hydrogen Peroxide decompose?
• The speed of growth: An Analysis of bacterial growth rates in different culture media

Analysis of DNA fragment lengths using gel electrophoresis

The effects of temperature on enzyme activity in yeast cells

Investigating the corrosion resistance of Aluminum alloys

Study of chemical kinetics through the decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide

Quantifying bacterial growth rates in different culture media

While it’s not necessary to dedicate an entire page to the title, some universities might ask for a title page. If you’ve been asked to make this, include the following details:

• The experiment title 
• Your name and student details 
• Course and program details 
• Date and year of submission 

An abstract is a brief but comprehensive overview of the purpose, findings, and larger relevance of your experiment. It communicates the essential details of your study to your readers, whether it’s evaluators or peers.

Follow these tips to write a lab report abstract:

• Clearly state the topic of your experiment.
• Briefly describe the conditions of your study, the variables involved, and the method(s) used to collect data.
• Lay out the major findings of your study and your interpretations of them.
• Mention the relevance and importance of your study in brief.

An abstract is usually only a page long (typically between 100 and 250 words), so your writing must be concise and crisp.

Bonus tip: Although the abstract is the first section of your report, it’s best to write it toward the end. Much easier to summarize the report afte r it’s been written!

Lab report abstract example

This experiment aimed to investigate the corrosion resistance of two different aluminum alloys: 6061-T6 and 7075-T6. The experiment involved exposing samples of each alloy to a 3% NaCl solution for a period of 72 hours and then measuring the weight loss of the samples. The results showed that 6061-T6 had a weight loss of 0.10 g, while 7075-T6 had a weight loss of 0.25 g, indicating that 6061-T6 was more corrosion resistant. These findings suggest that the composition of the alloy has a significant impact on its resistance to corrosion. This information is important for industries that use aluminum alloys in environments that are prone to corrosion, such as marine applications or chemical processing. Further research could explore the specific mechanisms that contribute to the corrosion resistance of different aluminum alloys and could investigate the effects of other environmental factors on corrosion.

The lab report introduction provides your readers with background information on your experiment and its significance. It should be brief and to the point, so a few paragraphs is the maximum length recommended.

You can adopt either of two modes to write your introduction:

• Beginning with the research question and then adding context, ultimately closing with your purpose.
• Beginning with the broad topic and narrowing it down to your research question.

Follow these steps to write your lab report introduction:

• Begin with a brief overview of the broad research area and existing literature. 
• Include only essential background information and cite only highly relevant sources. 
• Clearly define any key terms or concepts that you’ll use in the report.
• State the specific purpose and objectives of your experiment.
• Mention the relevance and significance of your study.
• State a clear hypothesis and expected outcomes.
• Check with your instructor about adding the variables, results, and conclusions to the introduction.
• Refer to the university guidelines for instructions on labeling paragraphs in your introduction.
• Use the past tense when describing the purpose and other specifics of the experiment since it has already been carried out and is in the past. (“This experiment aimed to investigate the corrosion resistance of two different aluminum alloys.”)
• Use the present tense when describing the report, existing theories, and established facts. (“This information is important for industries that use aluminum alloys in environments prone to corrosion.”)

Make sure you use your own words rather than following a templatized format.

Lab report introduction example

Aluminum alloys are widely used in a variety of industrial applications due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, and other desirable properties. However, the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys can vary depending on their composition, and understanding the factors that contribute to corrosion resistance is crucial for their effective use in harsh environments. In this experiment, we aim to investigate the corrosion resistance of two different aluminum alloys: 6061-T6 and 7075-T6.

These alloys were selected because they are commonly used in industrial applications and have different compositions, with 6061-T6 containing magnesium and silicon, while 7075-T6 contains zinc and copper. By exposing samples of each alloy to a 3% NaCl solution and measuring the weight loss of the samples over time, we can determine which alloy is more corrosion-resistant and gain insight into the factors that contribute to their corrosion resistance. This information is important for industries that use aluminum alloys in harsh environments, such as marine and aerospace applications, and can contribute to the development of more effective corrosion-resistant materials.

The lab report methods section documents the methods, subjects, materials, and equipment you used to collect data. This is a record of the steps you followed and not the steps as they were prescribed.

Follow these tips to write a lab report method section:

• List all materials and equipment used in the experiment, including their material specifications such as weight or amount. (Ex: 5 ml of 3% NaCl solution)
• In the case of elaborate lists and sets of steps, you may include them in the appendix section and refer to them in the methods section. (Check this with your instructor!)
• Detail the procedures you used to carry out the experiment step-by-step, including apparatus setup, mixing of reagents, and other technical processes.
• Explain how you collected and recorded the data as well as the involved analytical methods and calculations.
• Use the past tense to write this section.
• Discuss the limitations and margins of error and how you tried to minimize them.
• Where relevant, mention the safety precautions and protective equipment used during the experiment.

Your methods section should be accurate enough for other researchers to follow the instructions and obtain results similar to yours.

Lab report method example

• Two aluminum alloy samples: 6061-T6 and 7075-T6
• 3% NaCl solution
• Two beakers
• Two stirring rods
• Digital scale
• Vernier caliper
• Cut four aluminum alloy samples, two from each type of alloy, each with dimensions of 1 cm x 1 cm x 0.2 cm.
• Clean the samples thoroughly using ethanol to remove any impurities or oils.
• Weigh each sample accurately using a digital scale and record the initial weight.
• Prepare a 3% NaCl solution by dissolving 30 g of NaCl in 1000 mL of deionized water.
• Pour 250 mL of the 3% NaCl solution into each beaker.
• Submerge two samples of each aluminum alloy in separate beakers containing the NaCl solution.
• Use the stirring rods to stir the solutions gently to ensure uniformity.
• Allow the samples to remain in the solutions for 72 hours at room temperature (25°C).
• After 72 hours, carefully remove each sample from the solution and rinse with deionized water to remove any remaining salt.
• Dry each sample using a lint-free cloth and measure its weight using the digital scale.
• Record the final weight of each sample.
• Calculate the weight loss of each sample by subtracting the final weight from the initial weight.
• Use a Vernier caliper to measure the thickness of each sample, and record these measurements.
• Calculate the corrosion rate for each sample by dividing the weight loss by the surface area of the sample and the time of immersion in the solution.

Data Collection:

Weight loss and thickness measurements were recorded for each sample after the 72-hour immersion period. Corrosion rates were calculated using the weight loss, surface area, and time of immersion.

The experiment was conducted in a well-ventilated area with appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and goggles. Care was taken when handling the NaCl solution to avoid contact with the skin or eyes.

Limitations:

The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions, which may not reflect real-world scenarios. The NaCl solution concentration used may not be representative of all environmental conditions that aluminum alloys may encounter in industrial applications. Further research could explore a wider range of environmental factors to more accurately predict the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys.

The results section presents the findings of the experiment including the data you have collected and analyzed. In some cases, this section may be combined with the discussion section.

Put your findings into words and present relevant figures, tables, and graphs. You may also include the calculations you used to analyze the data.

Here are some guidelines on how to write a results section:

• Begin with a concise summary of your key findings in the form of a brief paragraph or bullet points.
• Present the data collected in the form of tables, graphs, or charts.
• Describe important data to highlight any patterns you have observed.
• Use descriptive statistics such as mean, median, and standard deviation, to summarize your data.

Add your raw data in the Appendices section and refer to it whenever required. Remember to use symbols and units of measurement correctly.

Lab report results example

The aluminum alloys tested have varying degrees of corrosion resistance. Table 1 shows the corrosion rates for each sample, calculated as the percentage weight loss over the duration of the experiment.

Table 1: Corrosion rates for aluminum alloy samples

Sample Corrosion rate (%)

As can be seen from Table 1, sample C had the lowest corrosion rate, indicating the highest resistance to corrosion among the four samples tested. Sample A had the highest corrosion rate, indicating the lowest corrosion resistance.

Figure 1 shows the corrosion morphology of the aluminum alloy samples after exposure to the saltwater solution for 7 days. The images were taken using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

The SEM images show that sample C had the least amount of corrosion, with only small pits visible on the surface. Samples A and B showed more severe corrosion, with visible pitting and cracking. Sample D showed moderate corrosion, with some surface roughening and small pits.

In conclusion, the results of this experiment indicate that the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys varies depending on the composition of the alloy. Sample C, which had the lowest corrosion rate and the least amount of corrosion morphology, showed the highest resistance to corrosion among the four samples tested. Further research could investigate the effect of different environmental conditions on the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys.

The discussion section of a lab report is where you interpret and analyze the results of your experiment in the context of the research question or hypothesis. This is the most important part of the lab report because this is your contribution to your field of study.

Follow these guidelines to write your discussion section:

• Begin with a brief summary of the main findings of the experiment.
• Interpret the results and explain how they relate to your research question or hypothesis.
• Compare the results to previous research in the field and analyze how they support or oppose existing theories or models.
• Discuss any limitations or sources of error in the experiment and how they can be improved upon.
• If applicable, include any additional analysis such as post-hoc tests or follow-up experiments.

Your discussion section shouldn’t simply repeat the results but offer a critical interpretation and analysis of them. Furthermore, it should also reflect upon the methods and procedures undertaken and take stock of whether you applied processes most favorable for your subject.

Lab report discussion example

The investigation into the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys has provided valuable insight into the behavior of these materials under various conditions. The results of the experiment indicated that the aluminum alloys tested had varying degrees of corrosion resistance depending on the specific alloy composition and environmental conditions.

Comparing the results to previous research in the field, the findings are consistent with the general understanding that aluminum alloys are susceptible to corrosion under certain circumstances. However, the exact mechanisms of corrosion and the specific factors that influence corrosion resistance are still subject to ongoing research.

One limitation of the experiment is the relatively short duration of exposure to the corrosive environment. Longer exposure times may have provided additional insights into the behavior of the aluminum alloys over time. Additionally, the use of only one type of corrosive environment may not accurately reflect the behavior of the materials in other environments.

The unexpected finding of pitting corrosion in Alloy B warrants further investigation to determine the underlying causes and potential solutions. Future research could also explore the effects of additional factors, such as temperature and humidity, on the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys.

Overall, the results of this experiment demonstrate the importance of considering the specific composition and environmental conditions when evaluating the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys. The findings have implications for the development of more durable and corrosion-resistant materials for various applications in industry and engineering.

The conclusion summarizes the experiment and its significance in your field of study. It’s usually one brief paragraph, and in some cases might be omitted altogether. Check with your instructor about whether or not you need to write a lab report conclusion.

Here’s how to write a lab report conclusion:

• State whether the experiment supported or opposed your hypothesis.
• Reflect upon the significance and implications of your study.
• Suggest avenues for future research.

Lab report conclusion example

The investigation into the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys demonstrated that the aluminum alloys tested had varying degrees of corrosion resistance, depending on their specific composition and the nature of the corrosive environment. The results of the experiment are consistent with previous research in the field, and the findings support the notion that aluminum alloys are susceptible to corrosion under certain conditions.

The experiment also revealed some unexpected findings, such as the pitting corrosion observed in Alloy B. This finding warrants further investigation to determine the underlying causes and potential solutions.

The experiment was limited by the relatively short exposure time to the corrosive environment and the use of only one type of corrosive environment. Future research could explore the effects of longer exposure times and different corrosive environments on the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys.

Overall, the results of this experiment provide important insights into the behavior of aluminum alloys and have implications for the development of more durable and corrosion-resistant materials for various applications in industry and engineering.

List all the sources you consulted while writing the lab report. Include the full bibliographic information in the appropriate format.

For lab reports in sciences and social sciences, the APA citation style is usually followed. Students of business, fine arts, and history will use Chicago style citations in their lab reports. In the rare event of a lab report under humanities, you’ll be expected to write your citations in MLA format .

Remember that failing to cite your sources is considered plagiarism and has serious consequences. Always give credit where credit is due!

Lab Report Example & Templates

A. basic lab report template, b. chemistry lab report example, c. example of good labeling.

The above examples accurately demonstrate the hallmarks of a good lab report. If you need help to perfect your lab report, you can consider taking our editing and proofreading services . Keep reading to perfect your writing skills! 

• The Top 5 Dos & Don’ts of Academic Writing | Useful Examples
• 10 Most Common Grammar Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
• 14 Punctuation Marks: Examples & Free Guide on How to Use

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of writing a lab report, what should a lab report look like, how to write a lab report for biology, how long is a lab report, what is the longest part of a lab report.

Found this article helpful?

6 comments on “ How to Write a Lab Report: Examples from Academic Editors ”

Good info. Lucky me I came across your blog by chance. I’ve saved it for later!

Hi there, I don’t leave comments a lot but I must say, the lab report results part was quite well-written. Keep up the good work!

It’s quite well-written but you can improve the images maybe. Anyway, keep up writing.

You’ve explained each lab report section so easily! I appreciate the tips and example combination!

Honestly, the lab report examples could be better. But great work, super easy to read and informative

This information on lab report writing is so useful! Thanks for all the templates and examples, super helpful!

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Lab Report Format: Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Saul McLeod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

On This Page:

In psychology, a lab report outlines a study’s objectives, methods, results, discussion, and conclusions, ensuring clarity and adherence to APA (or relevant) formatting guidelines.

A typical lab report would include the following sections: title, abstract, introduction, method, results, and discussion.

The title page, abstract, references, and appendices are started on separate pages (subsections from the main body of the report are not). Use double-line spacing of text, font size 12, and include page numbers.

The report should have a thread of arguments linking the prediction in the introduction to the content of the discussion.

This must indicate what the study is about. It must include the variables under investigation. It should not be written as a question.

Title pages should be formatted in APA style .

The abstract provides a concise and comprehensive summary of a research report. Your style should be brief but not use note form. Look at examples in journal articles . It should aim to explain very briefly (about 150 words) the following:

• Start with a one/two sentence summary, providing the aim and rationale for the study.
• Describe participants and setting: who, when, where, how many, and what groups?
• Describe the method: what design, what experimental treatment, what questionnaires, surveys, or tests were used.
• Describe the major findings, including a mention of the statistics used and the significance levels, or simply one sentence summing up the outcome.
• The final sentence(s) outline the study’s “contribution to knowledge” within the literature. What does it all mean? Mention the implications of your findings if appropriate.

The abstract comes at the beginning of your report but is written at the end (as it summarises information from all the other sections of the report).

Introduction

The purpose of the introduction is to explain where your hypothesis comes from (i.e., it should provide a rationale for your research study).

Ideally, the introduction should have a funnel structure: Start broad and then become more specific. The aims should not appear out of thin air; the preceding review of psychological literature should lead logically into the aims and hypotheses.

• Start with general theory, briefly introducing the topic. Define the important key terms.
• Explain the theoretical framework.
• Summarise and synthesize previous studies – What was the purpose? Who were the participants? What did they do? What did they find? What do these results mean? How do the results relate to the theoretical framework?
• Rationale: How does the current study address a gap in the literature? Perhaps it overcomes a limitation of previous research.
• Aims and hypothesis. Write a paragraph explaining what you plan to investigate and make a clear and concise prediction regarding the results you expect to find.

There should be a logical progression of ideas that aids the flow of the report. This means the studies outlined should lead logically to your aims and hypotheses.

Do be concise and selective, and avoid the temptation to include anything in case it is relevant (i.e., don’t write a shopping list of studies).

USE THE FOLLOWING SUBHEADINGS:

Participants

• How many participants were recruited?
• Say how you obtained your sample (e.g., opportunity sample).
• Give relevant demographic details (e.g., gender, ethnicity, age range, mean age, and standard deviation).
• State the experimental design .
• What were the independent and dependent variables ? Make sure the independent variable is labeled and name the different conditions/levels.
• For example, if gender is the independent variable label, then male and female are the levels/conditions/groups.
• How were the IV and DV operationalized?
• Identify any controls used, e.g., counterbalancing and control of extraneous variables.
• List all the materials and measures (e.g., what was the title of the questionnaire? Was it adapted from a study?).
• You do not need to include wholesale replication of materials – instead, include a ‘sensible’ (illustrate) level of detail. For example, give examples of questionnaire items.
• Include the reliability (e.g., alpha values) for the measure(s).
• Describe the precise procedure you followed when conducting your research, i.e., exactly what you did.
• Describe in sufficient detail to allow for replication of findings.
• Be concise in your description and omit extraneous/trivial details, e.g., you don’t need to include details regarding instructions, debrief, record sheets, etc.
• Assume the reader has no knowledge of what you did and ensure that he/she can replicate (i.e., copy) your study exactly by what you write in this section.
• Write in the past tense.
• Don’t justify or explain in the Method (e.g., why you chose a particular sampling method); just report what you did.
• Only give enough detail for someone to replicate the experiment – be concise in your writing.
• The results section of a paper usually presents descriptive statistics followed by inferential statistics.
• Report the means, standard deviations, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each IV level. If you have four to 20 numbers to present, a well-presented table is best, APA style.
• Name the statistical test being used.
• Report appropriate statistics (e.g., t-scores, p values ).
• Report the magnitude (e.g., are the results significant or not?) as well as the direction of the results (e.g., which group performed better?).
• It is optional to report the effect size (this does not appear on the SPSS output).
• Avoid interpreting the results (save this for the discussion).
• Make sure the results are presented clearly and concisely. A table can be used to display descriptive statistics if this makes the data easier to understand.
• DO NOT include any raw data.
• Follow APA style.

Use APA Style

• Numbers reported to 2 d.p. (incl. 0 before the decimal if 1.00, e.g., “0.51”). The exceptions to this rule: Numbers which can never exceed 1.0 (e.g., p -values, r-values): report to 3 d.p. and do not include 0 before the decimal place, e.g., “.001”.
• Percentages and degrees of freedom: report as whole numbers.
• Statistical symbols that are not Greek letters should be italicized (e.g., M , SD , t , X 2 , F , p , d ).
• Include spaces on either side of the equals sign.
• When reporting 95%, CIs (confidence intervals), upper and lower limits are given inside square brackets, e.g., “95% CI [73.37, 102.23]”
• Outline your findings in plain English (avoid statistical jargon) and relate your results to your hypothesis, e.g., is it supported or rejected?
• Compare your results to background materials from the introduction section. Are your results similar or different? Discuss why/why not.
• How confident can we be in the results? Acknowledge limitations, but only if they can explain the result obtained. If the study has found a reliable effect, be very careful suggesting limitations as you are doubting your results. Unless you can think of any c onfounding variable that can explain the results instead of the IV, it would be advisable to leave the section out.
• Suggest constructive ways to improve your study if appropriate.
• What are the implications of your findings? Say what your findings mean for how people behave in the real world.
• Suggest an idea for further research triggered by your study, something in the same area but not simply an improved version of yours. Perhaps you could base this on a limitation of your study.
• Concluding paragraph – Finish with a statement of your findings and the key points of the discussion (e.g., interpretation and implications) in no more than 3 or 4 sentences.

Reference Page

The reference section lists all the sources cited in the essay (alphabetically). It is not a bibliography (a list of the books you used).

In simple terms, every time you refer to a psychologist’s name (and date), you need to reference the original source of information.

If you have been using textbooks this is easy as the references are usually at the back of the book and you can just copy them down. If you have been using websites then you may have a problem as they might not provide a reference section for you to copy.

References need to be set out APA style :

Author, A. A. (year). Title of work . Location: Publisher.

Journal Articles

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (year). Article title. Journal Title, volume number (issue number), page numbers

A simple way to write your reference section is to use Google scholar . Just type the name and date of the psychologist in the search box and click on the “cite” link.

Next, copy and paste the APA reference into the reference section of your essay.

Once again, remember that references need to be in alphabetical order according to surname.

Psychology Lab Report Example

Quantitative paper template.

Quantitative professional paper template: Adapted from “Fake News, Fast and Slow: Deliberation Reduces Belief in False (but Not True) News Headlines,” by B. Bago, D. G. Rand, and G. Pennycook, 2020,  Journal of Experimental Psychology: General ,  149 (8), pp. 1608–1613 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0000729 ). Copyright 2020 by the American Psychological Association.

Qualitative paper template

Qualitative professional paper template: Adapted from “‘My Smartphone Is an Extension of Myself’: A Holistic Qualitative Exploration of the Impact of Using a Smartphone,” by L. J. Harkin and D. Kuss, 2020,  Psychology of Popular Media ,  10 (1), pp. 28–38 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000278 ). Copyright 2020 by the American Psychological Association.

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Lab Report Format – How to Write a Laboratory Report

A science laboratory experiment isn’t truly complete until you’ve written the lab report. You may have taken excellent notes in your laboratory notebook, but it isn’t the same as a lab report. The lab report format is designed to present experimental results so they can be shared with others. A well-written report explains what you did, why you did it, and what you learned. It should also generate reader interest, potentially leading to peer-reviewed publication and funding.

Sections of a Lab Report

There is no one lab report format. The format and sections might be specified by your instructor or employer. What really matters is covering all of the important information.

Label the sections (except the title). Use bold face type for the title and headings. The order is:

You may or may not be expected to provide a title page. If it is required, the title page includes the title of the experiment, the names of the researchers, the name of the institution, and the date.

The title describes the experiment. Don’t start it with an article (e.g., the, an, a) because it messes up databases and isn’t necessary. For example, a good title might be, “Effect of Increasing Glucose Concentration on Danio rerio Egg Hatching Rates.” Use title case and italicize the scientific names of any species.

Introduction

Sometimes the introduction is broken into separate sections. Otherwise, it’s written as a narrative that includes the following information:

• State the purpose of the experiment.
• State the hypothesis.
• Review earlier work on the subject. Refer to previous studies. Cover the background so a reader understands what is known about a subject and what you hope to learn that is new.
• Describe your approach to answering a question or solving a problem. Include a theory or equation, if appropriate.

This section describes experimental design. Identify the parameter you changed ( independent variable ) and the one you measured ( dependent variable ). Describe the equipment and set-up you used, materials, and methods. If a reader can’t picture the apparatus from your description, include a photograph or diagram. Sometimes this section is broken into “Materials” and “Methods.”

Your lab notebook contains all of the data you collected in the experiment. You aren’t expected to reproduce all of this in a lab report. Instead, provide labelled tables and graphs. The first figure is Figure 1, the second is Figure 2, etc. The first graph is Graph 1. Refer to figures and graphs by their figure number. For some experiments, you may need to include labelled photographs. Cite the results of any calculations you performed, such as slope and standard deviation. Discuss sources of error here, including instrument, standard, and random errors.

Discussion or Conclusions

While the “Results” section includes graphs and tables, the “Discussion” or “Conclusions” section focuses on what the results mean. This is where you state whether or not the objective of the experiment was met and what the outcome means.  Propose reasons for discrepancies between expected and actual outcomes. Finally, describe the next logical step in your research and ways you might improve on the experiment.

References or Bibliography

Did you build upon work conducted by someone else? Cite the work. Did you consult a paper relating to the experiment? Credit the author. If you’re unsure whether to cite a reference or not, a good rule of thumb is to include a reference for any fact not known to your audience. For some reports, it’s only necessary to list publications directly relating to your procedure and conclusions.

The Tone of a Lab Report

Lab reports should be informative, not entertaining. This isn’t the place for humor, sarcasm, or flowery prose. A lab report should be:

• Concise : Cover all the key points without getting crazy with the details.
• Objective : In the “Conclusions” section, you can propose possible explanations for your results. Otherwise, keep your opinions out of the report. Instead, present facts and an analysis based on logic and math.
• Critical : After presenting what you did, the report focuses on what the data means. Be on the lookout for sources of error and identify them. Use your understanding of error to determine how reliable your results are and gauge confidence in your conclusions.

Related Posts

16+ Free Experiment Report Templates (PDF, DOC)

Experiment Report Template is a pre-planned format that guides the report on the experiment’s goals, methods, outcomes, and discussion. It is a reference guide for researchers and scientists conducting their experiments.

It helps them to be more orderly when documenting their procedures and therefore aids the subsequent accuracy when capturing the result and analyzing the same. Sticking to some standard procedure also helps in understanding the results more swiftly, improving the versatility and credibility of the experimental results.

Download Free Experiment Report Templates

What is an Experiment Report?

An experiment Report is a comprehensive assignment that studies and describes an experiment. It is an all-purpose document to help the reader understand the experiment’s objectives, procedures, results, and conclusion.

It is so critical in the scientific method as it makes it possible to repeat the results and add more knowledge to human beings or the world by sharing new findings and experiences with the rest of the world.

Components of Experiment Report

Clear organization of sections is crucial for the experiment report as it is a text that contains several elements that help to achieve specific goals in understanding the results. These components may vary depending on the discipline or field in which the experiment was conducted but generally include the following:

• Title Page: The following parts of any experiment: name the experiment, names of the participants, and date.
• Abstract: An experiment, its purpose, methods, the obtained results, the conclusions drawn from those results, and the references used in the experiment.
• Introduction: This section establishes the context for the topic, presents the aims of the experiment under consideration, and formulates the research hypothesis.
• Materials and Methods: Lists the substances applied and the methods implemented in the experiment.
• Results: Describes the results obtained during the experiment along with tables, figures, and charts used to explain the result.
• Discussion: Interpret the results, state whether the hypothesis is valid, and discuss the consequences of the results.
• Conclusion: Overviews the study’s conclusion and offers several research avenues for future investigation.
• References: Indicates all the sources used in the report as a basis for the background, methods, and discussion parts.

Benefits of Using an Experiment Report

The following are some of the important advantages of using an experiment report in the conduct of scientific activities, which can be of immense advantage in redesigning any experiment: It provides a template by following which the method used in an experiment, observed results, and its analyses and discussion can be noted.

This structural approach to data and result collection guarantees that all relevant information required for evaluating the results of an experiment or study by the researcher or peers who may wish to replicate or extend the experiment is well captured.

Also, the experiment report assists in presenting information in simpler ways; the details may be understood and explained to a wider audience of scholars, industries, and the public. Such openness and availability contribute accordingly to building a community of scientific discovery and development, thereby enhancing the possibility of forging ahead in science.

Tips for Writing an Effective Experiment Report

When crafting an effective experiment report, consider these essential guidelines to ensure clarity, precision, and relevance:

• Define Your Purpose Clearly: First, indicate the main goal of the experiment in one or two lines so the reader will have an idea of what you will achieve.
• Elaborate on Methodology: Give a clear description of the methods by which the product was produced and the materials and equipment used in the work, where other individuals may wish to replicate the work.
• Present Data Coherently: When presenting the data, you must use tables, graphs, or charts. In general, I have found that visual support helps increase the amount of comprehensible information.
• Analyze Results Thoroughly: When communicating the data, do not simply present it; use analysis. Elaborate upon the daily patterns and observe the existing relationships between components and interfaces, if any; think about the overall result of your evaluation.
• Relate Conclusions to Objectives: Your recommendations should be centered on the purpose you outlined at the start of the report—cohesion to the primary goal of the experiment.
• Include References: List out all the resources and literature that were used for the preparation of your experiment and report. This leaves a positive impression and provides credit to others where it is due.
• Review for Accuracy and Clarity: Remember, it is important not to make any mistakes in data or writing, so you should be careful and review the report several times. Cross-check that it does not contain complicated language, technical terms, or any other language that may cause misunderstanding.

The following shall assist you in providing a proper, concise, and informative experiment report that presents the findings, conclusions, and analyses.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Experiment Report

Here are some tips on how to apply an experiment report and detailed descriptions of how you could use it:

Step 1: Setting Up Your Experiment

To start with, state the goal of your experiment, as it should be explicitly stated to avoid any confusion. What is the general premise being put to the test? Note this in the “Objective” sub-section of the report.

Step 2: Gathering Materials

Before you begin your experiment, list all materials and equipment you will need for it in your project’s “Materials” part. They indicated that an excellent experiment should contain details allowing an individual to repeat the same experiment.

Step 3: Experiment Procedure

Provide a complete and detailed description of what you did to conduct your experiment in the “Procedure” section. Record the variables such as length, breadth, time sequence, and changes for the experiment. It must be precise, and the messages must be clear and informative.

Step 4: Observations and Data Collection

While performing your experiment, you should note all the observations and other data gathered in an orderly. Include tables, charts, or graphs in the section where information is collected, aware that this will make it easier for the intended audience to analyze the information presented to them.

Step 5: Analyze and Conclusion

Hypothesis testing: Let it determine whether the data collected has enough evidence to support your hypothesis . This should be discussed in the “Analysis” part, and then, in the “Conclusion,” an outline should be given to determine whether the hypothesis was supported.

Step 6: Review and Reflect

Lastly, the process or procedures involved and the results should be discussed. Think about the positives and negatives, nuances, and raw outcomes. In the “Reflection” part of the experiment, consider extra questions that have come up and other experiments that could be completed.

How to Create an Experiment Report Template

When devising a sample experiment report, it is important to consider the following steps: the document should be well-coordinated, the message clear and concise, and all the relevant data provided in the report.

Here’s how to design an effective template:

• Title Page: The variables to be identified include the name of the experiment, the date conducted, the names of the participants involved, and the instructor’s name.
• Abstract: An overview of the aim and hypotheses of the experiment, in addition to the key observations and the conclusions derived from that place, should not exceed 250 words.
• Introduction: They should describe the background information and the main objectives of the experiment as well as formulate a hypothesis.
• List all materials used.
• Give a clear step-by-step procedure of the experiment which should be done.
• The best models can be illustrated in charts, graphs, or tables for better comprehension.
• Add one or more reports or documents that contain the following elements: a brief history of the data for reference purposes, qualitative and quantitative data, and brief interpretations of the findings.
• They should present the hypothesis’s results in a manner that explains why the test resulted in a particular score.
• Explain contingencies and how deviations from expected results may have occurred.
• Conclusions: Conclusively present the experiment’s results, the tests performed on the hypothesis, and the overall implications of the conclusion.
• References: Enumerate all the sources used to prepare the report, acknowledge the original owners of the information, and facilitate independent validation of the report.
• Appendices: Present any details or additional data, raw data, lengthy calculations, etc., that might not reasonably fit into the main body of the report.

These structures help fill each report to certain and adequate levels, thus making replications of the conducted experiments verifiable.

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Lab Report Template

Title : * a brief, concise, yet descriptive title

Example: "Types of Invertebrates Found in Pond Water"

Introduction: (State the problem or question to be answered)

* What question(s) are you trying to answer? * Not all experiments start with a question, some start with an observation and questions develop from further observations * Include any preliminary observations or background information about the subject Example: How many different types of insects are found in pond water? Does the location of the pond change the types of insects that live there? Does water quality affect the number of organisms?

Hypothesis:

* Write a possible solution for the problem or an explanation for the observation * Make sure this possible solution is a complete sentence. * Make sure the statement is testable, you may also include a null hypothesis . Example: Ponds located near populated areas will have less organisms than ponds found in isolated areas.

Materials and Methods:

*Make a list of ALL items used in the lab. Alternatively, materials can be included as part of the procedure. Example: Pond water, strainers, microscopes, field guides, petri dishes *Write a paragraph (complete sentences) which explains what you did in the lab as a short summary. Include the dependent and independent variables. Example: Water was sampled from each pond and examined under the microscope. A field guide was used to identify the types of organisms found and estimations of numbers were recorded. The manipulated variable is the pond location, the responding variable is the number of organisms.

Results (Data):

* This section should include any data tables, observations, or other information collected during the procedure. * Organize data onto tables and charts. * Graphs and charts should be labeled appropriately (X and Y axis) * Do not explain of make inferences at this points.

Conclusions:

* Accept or reject your hypothesis. * EXPLAIN why you accepted or rejected your hypothesis using data from the lab. * Include a summary of the data - averages, highest, lowest..etc to help the reader understand your results. Try not to copy your data here, you should summarize and reference KEY information. * List one thing you learned and describe how it applies to a real-life situation. *Discuss possible errors that could have occurred in the collection of the data (experimental errors) and suggest ways the experiment could be improved.

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38+ lab report templates – pdf, google docs, word, apple pages.

In the scientific community, a lab report templates gives the guidance needed by any researcher so that they can have a sensible result of their experimental research whether it supports their study or not. This laboratory report templates can be opened using Microsoft word excel or a PDF format file for your study in any specific body of knowledge. We have templates suited not just for college/university, but we also have lab reports for a 4th-grade elementary lab. When you need help making an APA paper of pathology for a practical experiment, we got you covered!

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Uses of Lab Reports

• Such as in labs to generate the test results of patients.
• In educational institutions, students present their experiments properly.
• In scientific and research agencies, employees elaborate on the details of their experiments and tasks.

The Purpose of Writing a Lab Report

• It helps to document the work that has been done during an experiment.
• It can be recorded and stored away for future reference purposes.
• It acts as proof of the work done irrespective of whether the desired results were gained or not.

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What are the Parts of a Lab Report?

• Introduction
• Materials used
• Techniques implemented

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Lab Report Tips

• The introduction should sum up the idea of the experiment and its theory in not more than 6-7 sentences.
• Make sure that the goals are described concisely.
• Instead of describing the techniques in paragraphs, use bullet points.
• In case you are including any calculations in the lab report, it is important to write the formulae for these.
• The conclusion should summarize the whole process without being too long. You can also see more on Field Reports .

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Conclusion of a Lab Report

• Firstly, give a summary of your experiment that’s been conducted in the conclusion.
• This should include the procedures as well.
• Then give a brief description of your findings in the conclusion.
• State the experiment results.
• Make sure to wrap the report professionally.

General FAQs

1. what is a lab report, 2. what is the structure of a lab report.

• Procedures or Methods
• Results and Discussion
• Conclusions

3. What is the Significance of a Lab Report?

4. what should you do before drafting a lab report.

• Consult your lab supervisor
• Plan the procedure of the experiment with your lab partners
• Record the data carefully
• Consider your audience.

5. How Can You Conclude Your Lab Report?

• Present your experiment findings
• Evaluate the outcome with an unbiased point of view
• State the disparities between the experimental results and the model
• Suggest any possible improvements.

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Experiment lab report template, lab report write-up template, lab report structure template, lab report sections template, curriculum writing lab report template, sections of lab report template, methods of lab report template, chemistry lab report template.

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Free Printable Lab Report Templates [PDF, Word]

Most people enjoy laboratory experiments because they are an exciting and engaging way to learn about science. They also provide an opportunity to think critically and explore new ideas. Along with laboratory experiments, lab reports are an important part of the scientific process. Lab reports are written to analyze, describe, and explain the results of an experiment and its significance.

Whether you are a student or a professional, understanding the proper format for a lab report can be crucial for effectively communicating your findings. This article will provide an overview of the lab report template and guide you through the process of writing a comprehensive lab report .

Table of Contents

Lab Report Templates

A Lab Report Template is a standardized document used to present the findings and analysis of scientific experiments or research conducted in a laboratory setting. It provides a structured format for documenting the purpose, methodology, results, and conclusions of the experiment , ensuring consistency and clarity in scientific reporting. Lab Report Templates are commonly used in various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biology, physics , and engineering, to communicate research findings effectively.

Lab Report Templates provide a standardized and organized format for presenting scientific findings. By using these templates , researchers can effectively communicate their experimental procedures, results, and conclusions to the scientific community. Lab Report Templates promote clarity, accuracy, and reproducibility of scientific research, allowing other researchers to review and build upon the work. These templates are valuable tools for students , scientists, and researchers seeking to document and share their laboratory experiments in a consistent and professional manner.

What is a Lab Report?

A lab report is a document that describes the methods, procedures, and results of an experiment. It is used to communicate the findings of a laboratory investigation to an audience, typically a teacher or professor in a classroom setting , or a researcher or scientist in a professional setting. The purpose of a lab report is to provide a detailed, clear, and organized account of what was done during an experiment, what was observed, and what the results mean.

Types of Formal Lab Report Templates

There are several different types of formal lab report templates that may be used depending on the specific experiment and the intended audience. Here are a few examples:

Scientific lab report template

This template is used for experiments that are being conducted in a research setting and will be submitted for publication in a scientific journal. It typically includes sections for an abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references.

Formal lab report template for a college class

This template is used for experiments that are being conducted as part of a college course. It may include sections for an introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusions.

Engineering lab report template

This template is used for experiments that are being conducted in an engineering setting. It may include sections for an abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references.

Medical lab report template

Medical lab report template is used for experiments that are being conducted in a medical setting. It may include sections for an introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references.

High school lab report template

High school lab report template is used for experiments that are being conducted in a high school setting. It may include sections for an introduction, methods, results, discussion , and conclusions.

Key Elements of a Lab Report Template

A lab report template typically includes the following sections:

Title page : This includes the title of the report, the name of the author(s), the date of the experiment, and the course or class information.

Abstract: A summary of the experiment, including the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.

Introduction: This provides background information on the scientific concept being investigated, the purpose of the experiment, and the research question or hypothesis.

Methods and Materials: This section describes the procedures used in the experiment, including the equipment and materials used. It should be detailed enough for someone else to replicate the experiment.

Results: This section presents the data collected during the experiment, often in the form of tables, graphs, or figures. It should be presented in a clear and concise manner.

Discussion: This section interprets the results in relation to the hypothesis and existing literature. It should also include any limitations of the experiment and suggestions for future research.

Conclusion: This section provides a summary of the main findings of the experiment and their significance.

References: This section lists any sources used in the report, following a specific citation style (APA, MLA, Harvard, etc)

Appendices: This section contains additional materials that are not essential for the main body of the report, such as raw data, detailed calculations, and images.

Important Things to Do Before Writing Your Lab Report Template

Understand the purpose and requirements of the lab report : Before beginning to write the report, it is important to understand the purpose and requirements of the lab report. This includes understanding the experiment or research being conducted, the goals of the report, and any specific guidelines or instructions provided by the instructor or supervisor.

Gather all necessary data and materials

Collect all necessary data, including raw data, observations, and any other materials used in the experiment. This will ensure that all the necessary information is available when writing the report.

Review relevant literature and background information

Reviewing relevant literature and background information can provide context and background knowledge for the experiment. This will help to inform the introduction and conclusions of the report.

Create an outline for the report

Creating an outline for the report will help to organize the information and make the report more coherent. The outline should include the main sections of the report , such as the introduction, methods, results, and conclusion.

Write a clear, concise introduction

The introduction should provide background information on the experiment or research and state the purpose and goals of the report. It should also provide an overview of the report’s main sections.

Detail the methods and procedures used in the experiment

The methods section should provide a detailed description of the procedures used in the experiment, including the equipment and materials used, the steps taken, and any controls used.

Present and analyze the data collected

The results section should present and analyze the data collected during the experiment. This should include both raw data and any processed data, as well as any graphs, tables, or images that help to illustrate the data.

Draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the data

The conclusion should summarize the main findings of the experiment or research and draw conclusions based on the data. It should also make recommendations for future research or experiments.

Cite all sources used in the report

All sources used in the report should be properly cited using the appropriate citation style. This includes any literature or background information used in the introduction and any sources used in the methods or results sections.

Proofread and edit the report for accuracy and clarity

Before submitting the report, it is important to proofread and edit the report for accuracy and clarity. This includes checking for spelling and grammar errors, ensuring that the report is well-organized and easy to understand, and making any necessary revisions to improve the overall quality of the report.

Tips for Writing Your Lab Report Template

Writing a lab report can be a challenging task, but by following a few key tips, you can ensure that your report is clear, accurate, and well-organized. The tips provided here are organized into three stages: the pre-lab report, in-lab responsibility, and post-lab report. Following these tips will help you to effectively prepare for, conduct, and document your lab experiment, resulting in a high-quality lab report.

Pre-Lab Report:

• Review the lab manual and any provided materials before the lab to ensure you understand the purpose and procedures of the experiment.
• Prepare a list of materials and equipment needed for the lab.
• Organize and plan the lab by making a schedule and dividing responsibilities among group members.

In-Lab Responsibility:

• Follow all safety procedures and protocols.
• Take detailed and accurate notes during the lab, including observations, measurements, and any problems encountered.
• Keep the lab area clean and organized to ensure accurate data collection.

Post-Lab Report:

• Review and analyze the data collected during the lab.
• Use proper formatting, citation style, and visual aids to present the data in a clear and organized manner.
• Proofread the report multiple times to check for errors and clarity.
• Include a conclusion and recommendations based on the data collected and analyzed during the lab.
• Ask someone else to review the report before submitting it.

How To Write A Lab Report

Writing a lab report can be a challenging task, but by following a few key steps, you can ensure that your report is clear, accurate, and well-organized. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to write a lab report:

Understand the purpose and requirements of the lab report

Before beginning to write the report, it is important to understand the purpose and requirements of the lab report. This includes understanding the experiment or research being conducted, the goals of the report, and any specific guidelines or instructions provided by the instructor or supervisor.

Creating an outline for the report will help to organize the information and make the report more coherent. The outline should include the main sections of the report, such as the introduction, methods, results, and conclusion.

The methods section should provide a detailed description of the procedures used in the experiment, including the equipment and materials used, the steps taken, and any controls used. It should be written in past tense and in a clear and concise manner.

The results section should present and analyze the data collected during the experiment. This should include both raw data and any processed data, as well as any graphs, tables, or images that help to illustrate the data. Data should be presented in an organized and logical way, and be accompanied by the appropriate figures, tables, and images.

The conclusion should summarize the main findings of the experiment or research and draw conclusions based on the data. It should also make recommendations for future research or experiments. This section should be written in future tense.

It’s also worth noting that lab reports vary depending on the field of study, and the specific instructions provided by the instructor or supervisor, thus the above guide is general and may need to be adjusted accordingly.

When writing a lab report, it’s important to keep in mind that the report is a formal document that should be written in a clear and concise manner. The report should be written in third person and in past tense, except for the conclusion and recommendations. The report should be well-organized, with headings and subheadings used to separate the different sections of the report. The report should also be properly formatted and include a title page, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and references.

How should sources be cited in a lab report?

Sources should be cited in a lab report using the appropriate citation style. This includes any literature or background information used in the introduction and any sources used in the methods or results sections.

Is it necessary to include an abstract in a lab report?

An abstract is not always required in a lab report, but it can be a useful tool to provide a brief summary of the report. It should include the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions of the experiment or research.

How should data be presented in a lab report?

Data should be presented in an organized and logical way in the lab report. This can include using tables, graphs, and images to help illustrate the data. The data should be labeled and captioned correctly, and any calculations or processing of the data should be clearly described.

What is the difference between a lab report and a scientific paper?

A lab report is typically a shorter and less formal document that describes the procedures, results, and conclusions of an experiment or research project conducted in a laboratory setting. A scientific paper is a more comprehensive and formal document that is typically used to communicate the findings of a larger research project to a wider audience.

How should the lab report be formatted?

The format of a lab report can vary depending on the field of study and the specific instructions provided by the instructor or supervisor. However, it should generally be well-organized and include headings and subheadings to separate the different sections of the report. It should also be properly formatted and include a title page, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and references.

How long should a lab report be?

The length of a lab report can vary depending on the field of study and the specific instructions provided by the instructor or supervisor. However, it should be long enough to effectively communicate the procedures, results, and conclusions of the experiment or research.

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Science Lab Worksheet Templates

Customize science lab templates.

If you're assigning this to your students, copy the worksheet to your account and save. When creating an assignment, just select it as a template!

What are Lab Worksheets?

Lab worksheets are essential tools used during science experiments and activities, as they guide students through all the necessary steps, from creating hypotheses and developing plans to recording observations and data. A science experiment handout is a type of lab worksheet that focuses specifically on science experiments, providing a structured framework for the class to follow. They are a great tool for students as they simplify the process of organizing their thoughts and findings into a clear, concise report or science report. Additionally, laboratory sheets can help kids to stay on track and ensure they do not miss any important steps or observations during their experiments. Overall, science experiment worksheets are an indispensable resource for those who are engaged in science experiments, providing a comprehensive and effective way to document their work and ensure accurate reporting of their findings.

Why are They Important and How are They Best Used?

Although open-ended investigation planning and recording can be an important skill to develop, many learners, particularly those in the early grades, benefit from having structured notes to guide them. A science experiment template provides a framework to document observations, data, and conclusions in a clear and organized manner. By using a report worksheet or lab report template, students can easily follow the experimental design steps necessary to complete a successful science experiment.

Making customized handouts tailored to your students' needs can be an effective way to engage them in the scientific process. By adjusting the level of difficulty and content to match their abilities, you can help the class stay focused and motivated throughout the experiment. Moreover, using free worksheets or a pre-made lab sheet template can save valuable time, especially when preparing multiple experiments.

One of the key benefits of these sheets is that they provide a clear answer key for students to check their work against. This ensures that everyone understands the expectations and requirements of the experiment and can easily identify any errors or mistakes. Additionally, they facilitate the end of the experiment, allowing kids to draw meaningful conclusions based on their findings and observations.

How to Make A Lab Report

• Gather your data and observations: Before beginning your report, make sure you have all the necessary information and observations you collected during your experiment. This may include measurements, notes, and observations of any changes or reactions.
• Organize your information: Use a laboratory worksheet or report template to organize your information and observations in a structured and clear manner. You may need to adjust the template to match the specific requirements of your science class or experiment.
• Include relevant details: Be sure to include details about the equipment used, the materials used, and the experimental procedures followed. This will help readers understand how you arrived at your conclusions.
• Use clear language and appropriate formatting: Use clear, concise language to describe your experiment and results. Use appropriate formatting, such as headings and bullet points, to make your report easy to read and understand.
• Include a conclusion: Based on your findings and observations, draw a conclusion that summarizes your findings. Explain how your results support or contradict your hypothesis.
• Use report templates or other resources: If you are unsure how to format your report, consider using pre-made lab report templates or other resources available online or through your science class. These can provide a useful guide and ensure your report meets all the necessary requirements.
• Edit and revise: Once you have completed your report, take the time to edit and revise it. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure all your information is accurate and complete.

By following all the steps, you can make a clear and well-organized lab report that accurately reflects the results of your experiment.

Worksheet Templates to Explore

Science experiment worksheet.

A science experiment worksheet is a template that future scientists can use to document their observations, data, and conclusions during science experiments. These worksheets help organize thoughts and identify patterns in data. They also encourage students to draw conclusions based on evidence, which is a critical skill for success in science and other subjects. Using a science experiment handout ensures that children have a structured framework to follow and can better understand the scientific method. Teachers can customize these worksheets to fit their specific classroom needs, ensuring that the worksheets are aligned with the experiment's objectives.

Lab Report Worksheet

A lab report worksheet is a type of science experiment worksheet that is specifically designed for documenting reports. These worksheets often include prompts or questions that guide students through the scientific method, such as identifying the problem, hypothesis, materials, procedure, results, and final thoughts. They can be customized to fit specific classroom needs and can be used to assess student learning outcomes. Using a report sheet ensures that students meet the experiment's objectives and have a clear understanding of the scientific method.

Science Lab Worksheet Template

This is a customizable form that teachers can use to make their own science experiment worksheets. They often include sections for recording data, observations, and conclusions. They can modify these templates to fit their specific classroom needs and ensure that they align with the scientific method. Science worksheet templates are a great tool for helping kids organize their thoughts and identify patterns in their data. They also encourage critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for success in science and other subjects.

Lab Report Template

This is a customizable form that students use to document their lab reports. These templates often include prompts or questions that guide children through the scientific method, such as identifying the problem, hypothesis, materials, procedure, results, and conclusion. These can be customized to fit specific classroom needs and can be used to assess student learning outcomes.

Lab Report Maker

A lab report maker is a tool that allows teachers to make customized lab report templates. These makers often include a variety of prompts or questions that guide students through the scientific method, making it easier for them to organize their thoughts and information. Lab report makers are a great resource for those who want to create customized handouts but do not have the time or resources to make them from scratch. They are also useful for ensuring that report templates are aligned with the experiment's objectives.

Lab Worksheet Templates

If you are looking to create an experiment worksheet template for your science class, there are several free printable science experiment templates available online. One option is to use a science lab worksheet template, which provides a structured framework for recording observations, findings, and other important details of your experiment.

To begin, select a suitable lab report maker or template that fits your needs. Once you have found the appropriate template, access the Storyboard Creator tool and start customizing it to your liking. You can modify the lab equipment worksheet and other elements of the template to suit your experiment's requirements.

Additionally, you can provide background information about the experiment to help understand the purpose and procedures involved. Be sure to use free resources and tools available to enhance your worksheet's quality and effectiveness.

How to Make a Science Lab Worksheet

Choose one of the premade templates.

We have lots of templates to choose from. Take a look at our example for inspiration!

Click on "Copy Template"

Once you do this, you will be directed to the storyboard creator.

Give Your Worksheet a Name!

Be sure to call it something related to the topic so that you can easily find it in the future.

Edit Your Worksheet

This is where you will include directions, specific questions and images, and make any aesthetic changes that you would like. The options are endless!

Click "Save and Exit"

When you are finished with your worksheet, click this button in the lower right hand corner to exit your storyboard.

From here you can print, download as a PDF, attach it to an assignment and use it digitally, and more!

Even More Storyboard That Resources and Free Printables

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• Compare and Contrast Worksheets

Happy Creating!

Frequently Asked Questions About Science Lab Worksheets

How can lab report templates be used to improve student learning outcomes.

Lab report templates can be used to improve learning outcomes in several ways. By providing a structured framework for the class to follow, educators can ensure that all kids meet the experiment's objectives and understand the scientific method. Additionally, using lab report handouts can help develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for success in science and other subjects.

What are some tips for using lab sheets effectively in the classroom?

To use lab sheets effectively in the classroom, teachers should provide clear instructions on how to use them and what information to record for various experiments. Whether it's a science experiment worksheet, lab report worksheet, or any other experiment-specific worksheet, kids need guidance on how to utilize the lab sheets appropriately. Additionally, it is essential to monitor and verify that the class is accurately recording data and observations according to the specific experiment's requirements. This ensures the reliability and integrity of the collected information. Furthermore, teachers should foster an environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, critically analyze the evidence, and draw meaningful conclusions not only for the experiment at hand but also for other experiments they may encounter. This approach promotes a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and enables learners to actively participate in class discussions and share their findings with their peers.

Are there any drawbacks to using lab sheets in the classroom?

While there are many benefits to using lab sheets in the classroom, there are also some potential drawbacks. For example, some kids may find the structure of lab sheets too restrictive and prefer a more open-ended approach to experimentation. Additionally, some experiments may not lend themselves well to a structured paper. However, teachers can mitigate these potential drawbacks by providing a variety of experimentation options and offering opportunities for open-ended exploration and inquiry.

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Lab Report Template – FREE Science Sheets for Kids

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Introduce young scientists to the world of experiments with our adorable  lab report template.  This set includes two fun and easy-to-use science worksheets designed specifically for kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade students to engage in hands-on learning and scientific exploration. Whether used with a formal curriculum or for simple at-home experiments, these lab sheets provide a structured format for children to record their observations and findings.

Lab Report Template

Start by scrolling to the bottom of the post, under the terms of use, and click on the text link that says >> ___________<<. The pdf file will open in a new window for you to save your freebie. Now print off  the pages.

The first sheet is to be filled out before conducting the experiment. It prompts children to think about and predict what they expect to happen during the experiment. With simple questions and prompts, children can express their hypotheses and prepare for the hands-on activity ahead.

Experiment Reporting Page

On the second sheet, children can record their observations and findings during the experiment. With spaces to write or draw what they see, children can document their discoveries in a clear and organized manner. This sheet encourages children to engage in scientific inquiry and practice communicating their observations.

Science lab worksheet

There are lots of educational benefits to teaching kids to use a  lab report including:

• Scientific Inquiry: Introduces children to the scientific method and encourages them to make predictions and observations.
• Language Development: Provides opportunities for children to practice expressing their thoughts and findings in written or visual form.
• Hands-On Learning: Engages children in hands-on exploration and fosters a love for science and discovery.

Download the “Kindergarten Lab Sheet Printable Set” today and inspire young scientists to explore the wonders of the world through hands-on experimentation!

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• Find LOTS more Easy Science Experiments for kids of all ages!

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Beth Gorden

Beth Gorden is the creative multi-tasking creator of 123 Homeschool 4 Me. As a busy homeschooling mother of six, she strives to create hands-on learning activities and worksheets that kids will love to make learning FUN! She has created over 1 million pages of printables to help teach kids ABCs, science, English grammar, history, math, and so much more! Beth is also the creator of 2 additional sites with even more educational activities and FREE printables – www.kindergartenworksheetsandgames.com and www.preschoolplayandlearn.com. Beth studied at the University of Northwestern where she got a double major to make her effective at teaching children while making education FUN!