CHEM 1103/1104 Laboratory Report
Guidelines

After each laboratory experiment, you will write up your results in the form of a brief
(2 pages, typed, single spaced) laboratory report. It is
expected to be written in proper English with correct spelling. Reports are
due at the beginning of the next lab period following completion of the experiment.
There are many styles for writing technical papers and laboratory reports. A outline for a
typical general chemistry report is given below, although your instructor may make
modifications. Follow your instructor's directions - your instructor will be grading the
reports!
- The title of the experiment, the date, your
name, the name of your partner (if any), and the name of
your instructor.
- A brief statement of the objective of the experiment.
- A brief paragraph outlining the experimental procedure. Be sure to
describe the procedure that was actually used. DO NOT simply copy or directly paraphrase
the lab manual.
- Experimental Data and Observations
. These should be neatly and orderly
tabulated. Use short headings to show different types of data. The units of numerical data
must always be shown. Include sample calculations as an appendix. Sample calculations do
not count toward the two page limit.
- Results.
Present a brief summary of the measurements and results that you
obtained from your own work. Numerical results must be neatly tabulated and units shown.
- Discussion.
Explain and interpret your results. Compare your results to a
literature value. If these are different, try to explain why. Do your results agree with
accepted theories from the textbook? If not, explain why. Use questions that are raised in
the laboratory manual to guide your discussion. Discussion should be approximately 2 solid
paragraphs.
- Conclusions.
In 1-2 sentences, state the main point of the experiment - what is
the answer?
- Advance study assignment.
Look up and complete the advance study assignment for
the next experiment. Attach this to your report. This does not count toward the two pages
for the report.
REPORT GRADING
Items 1-3 10%
Item 4 20%
Item 5 20%
Items 6-7 30%
Item 8 20%
Note that any of the above my be modified by your teaching assistant. Remember that it
is your TA who will read and grade your reports.
Lab reports are due at the beginning of your lab period immediately following the
experiment being reported.
- These pages are maintained by Dr. Nicholas H. Snow. For more information or to make a
comment, please send email.
(nhs) 8/98