• Science Department Lab Reports 
     
    Scientific research is a group activity. Individual scientists perform experiments to test hypotheses. After experiments are completed and duplicated, researchers attempt to persuade others to accept or reject their hypotheses by presenting the data and their interpretations. The lab report is this instrument of persuasion. If the results stand up to criticism, they become part of the accepted body of scientific knowledge unless later disproved.
     
    In some cases, a report may not be persuasive in nature but instead is an archival record for future generations. For example, data on the distribution and frequency of deer population versus mountain lion population in a certain year may be of use to future biologists in deciding whether the populations are increasing normally. Regardless of whether a report is persuasive or archival, the following guidelines apply.
     
    Please refer to your instructors adjustments, however the basic information is the same throughout your time at Deer Valley High School. The following is the format to follow when writing any lab reports so they are consistent. Please make sure the correct information is in the proper location in your reports. Follow the Lab Report Template for the sections and the Lab Report Template Instructions for what information goes in each section.  
     
     
    Criteria for writing any report:
    ·     Reports must be typed or neatly written in a lab notebook
    ·     Correct spelling and grammar are a must as well as using complete sentences
    ·     Always use third person - avoid personal pronouns (DO NOT USE: I, me, my, our, etc.)    
    ·     Must be neat and legible
    ·     When typing the report - Paragraphs must be double-spaced and lists single-spaced
    ·     Must be complete and accurate
    ·     Be specific and use details
    ·     Use data as support for statements made
     
     
     
    Follow the Lab Report Template for the sections and the Lab Report Template Instructions for what information goes in each section.