Writing a science lab report involves adhering to specific requirements and guidelines. We asked experts from college paper writing service to give us recommendations on how to write an effective report. By following these tips, you will be able to write lab reports in natural sciences without any assistance.
What is a lab report?
A lab report describes an experiment that was conducted. The author gives calculations and results, and draws conclusions. With the help of the report, anyone should be able to repeat the experiment and achieve the same result with the same input data and equipment. Teachers evaluate not only the content of the report but also the layout. Particular attention is paid to illustrations, tables, formulas, and references.
Structure of a lab report in natural science
Some institutions have their own requirements for the structure of lab reports. It is important for students to check with their instructors at all times. However, many tend to follow the generally accepted one. Let’s break it down in more detail.
Abstract
This section of the paper is a brief summary of your experiment. You should briefly describe the subject of the paper, give reasons why you are pursuing this particular issue, and give a brief overview of other research on the topic. Tell the reader what to expect from the paper. There should be a short but apt summary of the main ideas here that will spark the reader’s interest and get them to concentrate on the main point. We recommend writing this part of the report in the last place.
Methods and instruments
In this section, you must provide a list of all research methods, equipment, and ingredients that you needed for the experiment. It is extremely important to describe everything accurately. This is especially valid for the number of ingredients you need. You should never forget that with your report, anyone should be able to do the same research. That is why the input data’s accuracy must be absolute to achieve the desired result.
In this part, you should also provide step-by-step instructions on how to perform the necessary actions.
Discussion
In this part, you describe the main points, comment on the effectiveness of the study, and make recommendations. You can also write your suggestions in this section about what you would do differently if you were to repeat the experiment a second time. The language should also be restrained and persuasive.
Results
Here you should describe what you found as a result of the study, whether your hypothesis is confirmed, and write how accurate the results are and what they are related to. Usually, students tend to present data found in the form of tables and graphs and explain them.
Conclusions
The last part is a summary and suggestions for future research related to the topic of the report.
A complete report should also include a list of references. There may be other parts as well. Everything depends on the subject and the purpose of the report.
General tips for writing a science lab report
- All information should be stated simply and clearly. Make sure you know the exact meaning of each word. Do not put information in the report that you can do without. Use common words and phrases. Watch the size of the sentences: they should not be too complex, with a huge number of turns of speech and explanations.
- Do not write your paper in the first person. You can give preference to the passive voice. In the natural sciences, it is advisable to avoid the words “always” and “never. Moreover, you should watch out for grammar and the correct use of tenses.
- Always proofread your work before turning it in. Even a small typo in the input information of your report can mislead the reader or lead to undesirable research results.
- When choosing terminology to write your paper, always consider the audience that will read your report. You may need to explain some scientific terms in simpler words if your audience is not into science.
- Do not express your own opinion, but only provide data from an experiment or common knowledge with reference to the original source to support your statements. All of your assumptions must be supported by evidence.
- When you write about the necessary materials, be sure to list the equipment needed to conduct the experiment safely. You should also give a list of dangerous and potentially hazardous items and ingredients.
- Format your report in an easy-to-read format. Divide large portions of text into paragraphs, use lists, bullet points, and use formatting. Don’t forget to provide data in tables and graphs. This will make your text more user-friendly and understandable to the reader.
We hope that our tips will help you cope with writing and editing your science lab report.