The major component of scientific findings, analysis, and conclusions is in the investigation process. Investigations are done in the laboratory using different types of apparatus. Before the start of studies and tests, everything needed for the test must be prepared. These are samples, equipment, and technology.
The data collected is carefully recorded at each phase of the test or research. All these details are what constitute a laboratory report. Therefore, it must be crafted wisely right from the time of preparation, samples used, apparatus, observations, findings, recommendations, and conclusions. Here are tips on writing a good laboratory report.
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The structure of a laboratory report
A good and complete laboratory report must have all the following sections. Each title must have its detailed report written under it. It helps to show the examiner the procedures you followed, the apparatus you used, how you used them, and the results you received.
Lab report writing by professionals
Laboratory tests are scientific and the results observed can be used to change entire scientific principles and concepts. Great care is therefore needed during the testing phase and reporting phase. Although it is a college requirement, it can help a student in their future career. There are several times when I feel I cannot write my laboratory report effectively, but I never worry about that because I ask Edubirdie team to write my lab report as I concentrate on my other study needs. Education is exciting and easy when you have people to help you, especially with writing papers.
The report title
The title gives a generic overview of what the experiment or laboratory research was all about. It is the nearest thing that catches or repels the attention of the examiner. Therefore, the title should be simple, attractive, and to the point.
An introduction
The introduction states the reason why you carried out the experiment or research. For example, you might have wanted to test how possible it is to measure how gravity affects acceleration. So you might have used items like a pendulum and use a varying amount of force to swing it back and forth.
In the introduction, state what you were measuring and the equipment you used. State a brief review of the already published theories and include older/newer approaches. You may write an extra paragraph to show how the information can be used today to improve tasks like measurements, speed, resistance, and so on, depending on your lab test.
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Procedures used
Laboratory tests require adherence to procedures, parameters, quantities, and samples. If you are required to used 10mg of a certain chemical and you use 20mg, you can end up causing disasters like fire, explosion, burns, and so on.
In the procedure, include those very finer details like container calibration, size, chemical properties, measuring methods – balances, spring scales, ruler. Apparatus used – beaker, test-tube, dropper, Bunsen burner, volumetric flask. If you are measuring temperature or how heat travels in different metals, state if there are any uncertainties in the apparatus you used.
Results
Results measures the immediate outcome you get during your investigation or tests. This is what you observed and can include things like a color change, melting, sublimation, bending, and so on. Results are presented in several forms, such as tables, graphs, and computer-generated figures.
Discussions and conclusions
This section presents your findings based on what you observed during the experiment. These are reasons like – why specimen x changed to this color and specimen Y changed to that color. Your conclusions must be objective without any biases. They require concrete support from other similar experiments.
If there were any discrepancies found in the model used and results obtained, state clearly why this might have happened. Do not conclude before you give your recommendation for future tests or what can be done for better future results.
Citations/references
During your experiment process, or in the observation and discussion phase, you might have referred to other similar experiments, thoughts, or reports from other scientists or students. Do not hold this information as your own but give credit to the various authors. Do your citations well and use the best-recommended format.
Conclusion
Each laboratory experiment is unique and will give unique results depending on the apparatus used or the time taken. As a result, the nature of reporting might be different and the structure might require slight alterations. Nevertheless, this structure presents a generalized way of making a laboratory report. Each subhead from the title, introduction, procedure, results, and discussions are important and if you follow this structure, you will not miss any important part of your laboratory report.
Author’s Bio:
Michael Turner works for a technology company as the lead writer and is the key person behind the company’s success because of his winning landing pages, emails, and blogs. He’s equally talented in academic essay writing, too, and has helped many students achieve good grades. His hobbies include stone carving, playing soccer, and reading contemporary fiction.
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