How to Write a Bio Report

Before you Begin:

This scientific lab report has different requirements that need to be covered than in a normal English or History report.

You will need to clearly state their objective and their hypothesis, sort of like a thesis or topic sentence. The background you provide should be general knowledge information and some details relating to what you are going to be experimenting. Take notes as you go through the experiment, so as to not forget any data or observations made along the way. Include some data tables and graphs in their results section, making sure that all graphs and tables are clearly labeled and addressed in the results or discussion sections.

The abstract goes at the beginning of the report; however, it may be helpful, and easier to write, if you complete the rest of the report first and then go back to the abstract to summarize what they wrote in the other sections of the report.

Write in complete sentences and in paragraph form, proofread your report for correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. And above all else, DO NOT PLAGIARIZE! Finally, it is important to not delete or erase results. Other scientists need to be able to follow the trail of what you did. (Have someone else you’re your paper, can they repeat exactly what you did?) Follow the standards used in professional laboratories. Use a blue or black ink ball-point pen (not a pencil or marker) to record all data and observations. If you make a mistake, cross it out with one line (don’t scribble over or use white-out) and mark the line with their initials and the date of the correction.

Sample lab report—note that all of the numbers and measurements are fictional and do not represent an actual experiment. Responses will vary, but should include all of the components demonstrated in this sample lab report.

Title

Testing the effects of added nutrients on plant growth

Abstract

This experiment was done to test whether adding nutrients to the soil will increase plant growth. Two...