Tips for Writing Tips for Writing Good Scientific Lab Good Scientific Lab Reports!Reports!

What makes a good What makes a good scientific question?scientific question?

It cannot be answered with “yes” or “no”.It cannot be answered with “yes” or “no”. It doesn’t use the words “I” or “you” (or It doesn’t use the words “I” or “you” (or

any form of them).any form of them). It can be researched through It can be researched through

experimentation experimentation

What makes a good What makes a good scientific hypothesis?scientific hypothesis?

It answers the question.It answers the question. It explains It explains whywhy you think this is the you think this is the

answer.answer.

How do you write a good How do you write a good scientific procedure?scientific procedure?

You use a numbered list.You use a numbered list. You include EVERY step that you did.You include EVERY step that you did. The first step is, “Gather your materials”.The first step is, “Gather your materials”. The last step is, “Clean up your The last step is, “Clean up your

materials”.materials”.

How do you make a good How do you make a good scientific observation?scientific observation?

You are sure to include a written You are sure to include a written description (that has one sentence for description (that has one sentence for every sense used to observe).every sense used to observe).

You are sure to include a labeled You are sure to include a labeled diagram.diagram.

You have used your 4 senses and any You have used your 4 senses and any appropriate scientific tools to make the appropriate scientific tools to make the observation.observation.

What needs to be What needs to be included in a data table?included in a data table?

You need to have a title and labels for You need to have a title and labels for the rows and columns.the rows and columns.

You need to include units (cm, seconds, You need to include units (cm, seconds, etc).etc).

You have used a ruler.You have used a ruler. It is neat, organized and easy to read.It is neat, organized and easy to read.

What are the rules for What are the rules for making a graph?making a graph?

It has a title.It has a title. It has axis labels (ex. number of students, It has axis labels (ex. number of students,

airplane distance, etc).airplane distance, etc). It has variable labels (dependent and It has variable labels (dependent and

independent).independent). It has even and equal intervals and begins at 0.It has even and equal intervals and begins at 0. You have used a ruler.You have used a ruler. It is neat, organized, and easy to read It is neat, organized, and easy to read

How do you write a good How do you write a good scientific conclusion?scientific conclusion?

You have completed all the “Good You have completed all the “Good Conclusion Recipe” steps.Conclusion Recipe” steps. The answer to #1 is the first paragraph.The answer to #1 is the first paragraph. The answers to #2-4 are the second The answers to #2-4 are the second

paragraph.paragraph. The answers to #5-7 are the third paragraph.The answers to #5-7 are the third paragraph. Your conclusion sounds scientific! (use Your conclusion sounds scientific! (use

vocab!)vocab!)