Directions

Question

Now that the lab is complete, it is time to write your lab report. The purpose of this guide is to help you write a clear and concise report that summarizes the lab you have just completed.
The lab report is composed of two sections:
Section I: Overview of Investigation
Provide background information.
Summarize the procedure.

Section II: Observations and Conclusions
Include any charts, tables, or drawings required by your teacher.
Include answers to follow-up questions.
Explain how the investigation could be improved.

To help you write your lab report, you will first answer the four questions listed below based on the lab that you have just completed. Then you will use the answers to these questions to write the lab report that you will turn in to your teacher.
You can upload your completed report with the upload tool in formats such as OpenOffice.org, Microsoft Word, or PDF. Alternatively, your teacher may ask you to turn in a paper copy of your report or use a web-based writing tool.
Questions

Section I: Overview of Lab
What is the purpose of the lab?

Copyright © Edgenuity Inc.
Copyright © Edgenuity Inc.
Lab Report Guide

Descriptive Lab Report Guide


What procedure did you use to complete the lab?
Outline the steps of the procedure in full sentences.

Section II: Observations and Conclusions
What charts, tables, or drawings would clearly show what you have learned in this lab?
Each chart, table, or drawing should have the following items:
An appropriate title
Appropriate labels

Copyright © Edgenuity Inc.
Copyright © Edgenuity Inc.
Lab Report Guide

Descriptive Lab Report Guide



If you could repeat the lab and make it better, what would you do differently and why?
There are always ways that labs can be improved. Now that you are a veteran of this lab and have experience with the procedure, offer some advice to the next scientist about what you suggest and why. Your answer should be at least two to three sentences in length.

Writing the Lab Report

Now you will use your answers from the four questions above to write your lab report. Follow the directions below.

Section I: Overview of Lab
Use your answers from questions 1 and 2 (above) as the basis for the first section of your lab report. This section provides your reader with background information about why you conducted this lab and how it was completed. It should be one to two paragraphs in length.

Section II: Observations and Conclusions
Use your answers from questions 3 and 4 (above) as the basis for the second section of your lab report. This section provides your reader with charts, tables, or drawings from the lab. You also need to incorporate your
Copyright © Edgenuity Inc.
Copyright © Edgenuity Inc.
Lab Report Guide

Descriptive Lab Report Guide


answers to the follow-up questions (from the Student Guide) in your conclusions.

Overall
When complete, the lab report should be read as a coherent whole. Make sure you connect different pieces with relevant transitions. Review for proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, and other conventions of organization and good writing.

Answer 1

Lab Report

Section I: Overview of Investigation

The purpose of this lab was to investigate the effects of different variables on the rate of photosynthesis in aquatic plants. Understanding how factors like light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration influence the photosynthetic process is essential for grasping fundamental ecological concepts and applications in botany and agriculture. In particular, this lab aimed to quantify the relationship between these variables and the resulting rate of oxygen production as an indicator of photosynthesis.

To complete this lab, we followed a structured procedure. First, we set up multiple test jars containing a specific type of aquatic plant in water. We then varied the light intensity for each jar by placing them at different distances from a light source. We also added varying amounts of baking soda to each jar to increase carbon dioxide levels. Over a predetermined period, we observed and recorded the number of oxygen bubbles produced by the plants as an indication of the rate of photosynthesis. Each condition was timed, and the number of bubbles was counted and noted for analysis.

Section II: Observations and Conclusions

To effectively present the data collected, we created a chart titled "Rate of Photosynthesis Under Different Light Intensities and CO2 Levels." The chart included columns for light intensity (in meters from the light source), amount of baking soda added (grams), and the corresponding number of oxygen bubbles produced over five minutes. Each column was clearly labeled, and the data was organized for ease of comparison.

If I could repeat the lab, I would suggest increasing the number of trials for each condition to ensure the reliability of the results. More trials would help to mitigate any anomalies and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects observed. Additionally, standardizing the temperature of the water would help control a variable that could impact the rate of photosynthesis, leading to more accurate conclusions about the influence of light and carbon dioxide on this essential process.