Lab reports

Question 1

List and explain the steps of the scientific method

Answer 1

Definition: Process for finding out information.

Steps:
1. Start with a problem/observation/question.

2. Gather background information. (What is already known)
3. Create a hypothesis. (educated guess for problem) usually stated in an if-than format. (ex. If you run then you get wetter/dryer). This is where you guess what your outcome will be.
4. Perform a controlled experiment. Only one thing can be varied (everything else is the same). On lab report, you must describe exactly what you did in list form. It is usually numbered
5. Gather data. Always put in a chart. Always include all info.
   a. Two types are:
   b. Quantitative: amounts. In number form (temperature, counting, mass, etc.)
   c. Qualitative: in words. A description. (Changing color, etc.)
6. Draw a conclusion.
   a. Interpret results
   b. Say whether hypothesis was right or wrong
   c. Why? Explain why wrong. If right, explain how you think that what you did is right. (Why was it correct/ incorrect)
   d. If it was incorrect, scientists conclude with what is to be tested next
   e. If correct, you state why you choose your hypothesis
   f. If hypothesis is right, and conclusions are always the same, it might turn into a theory
   g. Report results with lab report or something else

Question 2

List and explain the steps in a written lab report

Answer 2

1. Objective or Purpose: What is the point of this experiment? What are you trying to figure out? This is the part of the report where you also give any necessary background information.
2. Hypothesis: Based on scientific knowledge or any background information you have, what will happen? This is usually a simple If/Then statement. DO NOT include any explanation.
3. Materials: Include a numbered or bulleted list all of the equipment and materials you will use in your experiment.
4. Procedure: In a step-by-step format, write out exactly what will happen. Any one who reads this portion of your report should be able to duplicate your experiment exactly as you performed it. The steps must be written in a numbered or bulleted list, and does not need to be in full sentences.
5. Data/Results: These should be given in a table or graph format, labeled very specifically. Numbers are often averaged or graphed, depending on the information.
6. Conclusion: This is where most of your lab report grade will come from. Here is where you interpret or explain your results. Did your results agree or disagree with your hypothesis? Why or why not? Why do you think you got the results you did? What did you learn about the topic in the course of the experiment? Most often, you will have questions to guide your writing of this section. Identify the independent and dependent variables somewhere in the conclusion.
7. Sources of Error: Like it or not, most experiments do not work. This is the section where you give 2 or 3 reasons why your experiment went wrong, or why the data might be invalid. Even if your results were great, what are a few minor mistakes that might have been made (measuring quantities, not waiting long enough before going to the next step, using the wrong materials)? Be very specific when giving your possible sources of error.

• Do not use first person in your writing. The object of the experiment is the material, not the experimenter.
• A lab report is always presented in a clear, numbered format, starting with the title of the section (Problem, Hypothesis, etc.)
• Write in full sentences.

Question 3

What is the scientific definition of a theory? A law?

Answer 3

a. Theory: educated guess based on scientific evidence. Best explanation for the evidence.
b. Law: Stating something that will always happen without explaining why.

Question 4

What is a manipulated variable? A responding variable?

Answer 4

manipulated variable is what the scientist changes, controlled variable is what the scientist keeps the same, and the responding variable is what changes after the experiement; like, your results

Question 5

Which of the above (manipulated variable, responding variable) is the same as the dependent variable? Independent?

Answer 5

a. Independent variable- thing that scientist(s) change on purpose. (manipulative variable) [always on x axis]
b. Dependent Variable- result of independent variable. (responding variable) [always y-axis]

Question 6

Give an example of quantitative and qualitative data

Answer 6

quantitative: there are four apples since yesterday.
Qualitative: the apples are getting more red.

Question 7

What is most important about the procedure portion of a lab report?

Answer 7

.

Question 8

Write an observation of an object. Then write an inference about that same object.

Answer 8

The candle is white.

The candle is hot when lit.