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How to Write a Scientific Lab Report for Science Classes

Many high school science (biology, chemistry, and physics classes) will require you to write a formal lab report. This class is to help you document what you did, what you learned from the experiment, and why the findings are important.
Dr. Lee, PhD, Biology and Life Science
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(258)
Star Educator
Popular
Class

What's included

2 live meetings
1 hrs 40 mins in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. There will be one lab activity exercise, where the students will be writing one lab report.
Certificate of Completion
1 after class completion

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 11
Beginner Level
Writing a scientific laboratory report is quite different from writing essays for courses like English, literature, or history. In fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and other sciences, the lab report is the most common format for presenting experimental results. These reports are formally written descriptions of findings and discoveries. Both secondary education and college lab reports should adhere to the same standards as those found in scientific and scholarly journals like Science, Nature, and Cell. This class will discuss a general format for lab reports that you can adapt as needed.

Regardless of length and specific requirements, the primary goal of lab reports is to document findings and communicate their significance clearly. A good lab report should demonstrate the author's understanding of the underlying concepts, explain how and why specific results were obtained, describe their impact on the experiment, and show comprehension of the principles being tested.

The learning goal of writing a lab report includes clearly documenting experimental procedures, findings, and their significance. In this class, you will be taught the proper format and structure for scientific lab reports. The class is structured with an introduction to the format, followed by step-by-step guidance to help you write each section effectively. Teaching methods include lectures, example reports, and guided writing exercises to ensure you understand and can apply the correct format.

Another goal is to demonstrate your understanding of scientific concepts and principles behind the data. Topics covered will include data analysis, interpretation of results, and scientific reasoning. These concepts will be taught through interactive discussions, slides, and video clips that explain key ideas. This approach helps you grasp the principles necessary to analyze and interpret your experimental data accurately.

Finally, you will learn to communicate how and why specific results were obtained and their impact on the experiment. This involves covering topics such as effectively conveying scientific findings and their implications. The class will offer ample interaction opportunities through lectures, interactive games, and group discussions. My teaching style is engaging and interactive, providing students with opportunities to ask questions and participate actively, ensuring a thorough understanding of how to communicate scientific results clearly and effectively.
Learning Goals
Clearly document experimental procedures, findings, and their significance.
Demonstrate understanding of scientific concepts and principles behind the data.
Communicate how and why specific results were obtained and their impact on the experiment.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
2 Lessons
over 1 Week
Lesson 1:
Components of the lab report
 Students will learn to effectively structure and articulate experiment objectives, detail methods and results with clarity and precision, interpret data objectively, and draw well-supported conclusions. The course emphasizes adherence to scientific writing conventions, equipping learners with the foundational skills needed for proficient scientific communication. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
To do and don'ts for the lab reports
 Students will learn to effectively structure and articulate experiment objectives, detail methods and results with clarity and precision, interpret data objectively, and draw well-supported conclusions. The course emphasizes adherence to scientific writing conventions, equipping learners with the foundational skills needed for proficient scientific communication. 
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2022
4.9
258reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree in Molecular Biology from University of Wisconsin - Madison
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from University of Wisconsin - Madison
I have received a bachelor's degree in microbiology (2014) and a PhD degree in molecular immunology (2021). I also worked at Yale University as a postdoctoral associate for a year (2022). I have also served as a teaching assistant and lecturer in introductory biology and advanced biochemistry lecture. I have also tutored high school and AP biology for 10 years. 

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Live Group Course
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$36

for 2 classes
2x per week, 1 week
50 min

Completed by 12 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-16
2-8 learners per class

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