Needham High School

Learning Standards for Laboratory Reports (“checklist” format)

Sec Introduction (20 %)

1.1 • Relevant terms and lab techniques are described or defined.
1.2 • A connection is made between these terms and the specific lab investigation.
1.3 • The lab purpose is clearly stated.
1.4 • The above concepts are connected in a cohesive paragraph or two.

Hypothesis (5 %)
2.1 • Is clear, concise and represents an appropriate “educated guess.”
2.2 • Can be tested.
2.3 • Has supportive reasoning for the prediction.

Procedure (10 %)
3.1 • Is presented as a narrative (in paragraph form).
3.2 • Describes the method of data collection or product design.
3.3 • Mentions any equipment, chemicals and software used.
3.4 • Is concise, but explained in enough depth that the experiment could be replicated.

Data/Data Analysis (25 %)

4.1 • Data is organized/displayed in computer-generated tables and graphs.
4.2 • Data display is visually appealing, easy to follow, and reflects relevant patterns/trends.
4.3 • Data includes qualitative observations that follow the table of quantitative values.
4.4 • Quantitative values are presented with appropriate units and correct # of significant digits.
4.5 • Calculations are shown with units and significant digits.
4.6 • Data analysis is included, demonstrating important patterns or trends in personal & class data.
(this may include: %-error, mean, median, mode, R2)

Conclusion (40%)
5.1 • The purpose and hypothesis are revisited with a discussion of underlying presumptions (on
what chemical basis did you make your original hypothesis?)
5.2 • The hypothesis is assessed (supported or not) with a direct link to relevant data/findings.
5.3 • Data analysis values (sec 4.6) are referred to in order to discuss precision and accuracy error.
5.4 • Valid sources of error, including procedural sampling and measurement error, are discussed
Human error (speculated mistakes or calculation error) is NOT included as a valid source.
5.5 • The cited error sources can be used to explain your results relative to the expected results.
5.6
• Recommendations are offered for future modifications/adjustments of the experimental
design based on the error sources.
5.7
• Any assigned Lab Questions are answered.
5.8
• The lab is tied in with other chemical applications (concepts or common everyday uses).
5.9
5.10
• Relevant Chemical Themes (from class flowcharts) are discussed.
• The discussion is focused, sequential, and eloquent.
Note that not ALL of the above sections will apply to ALL labs.
Also, please invest efforts according to the % values given!