How to Write a Lab Report &
Example Lab Report:
A microscopic comparison of the cytological differences between Oscillatoria and the eukaryotic plant Elodea.

[The title page is a requirement. The Example title page is wtitten in black on page 2]. Before you begin the lab report, read the pertinent material. Feel free to discuss ideas for a report with other students and challenge each others ideas. Make sure you do the following: 1.) understand the experiment before you begin the lab, 2.) find answers to your questions, 3.) answer the books questions, and 4.) know how to calculate and interpret your groups results. At times the entire class will pool information, make sure you have that in mind. Determine the hypotheses, controls, variables, and the critical factors of the experiment. All this idea melding can be done with other class members and is especially important when determining the controls and variables of an experiment. It is essential to identify the variables and controls of an experiment. It is imperative to understand the importance of each. The two types of variables are dependent variables and independent variables. A dependent variable measures an outcome of an experiment. The independent variable explains or causes changes in the dependent variable. The independent variable is always labeled on the X axis of a graph, while the dependent variable is always labeled on the Y axis. The two types of controls are positive controls and negative controls. Controls are important for comparisons with experimental groups that receive a treatment. Negative controls test for contamination and the placebo effect. A test of the negative control should always come out negative. Positive controls test for proper technique, the reliability of your equipment, and the viability of your reagents or supplies. A test of the positive control should always come out positive. After you complete the lab, you are responsible for your own work. You are expected to write your own thoughts. Plagiarism is a serious problem. If you plagiarize you will forfeit the right to attend this lab, you will receive a failing grade and you may be removed from the university by due process as stated in your student handbook and student guide. Plagiarism is any portrayal of information as your own when not truly yours. Plagiarism is rewriting a lab partners report. Plagiarism is turning in the same report as another classmember, even if a few words are moved around. Plagiarism is forgetting to cite information that was obtained outside your brain. Plagiarism is cheating, there will be no forgiveness for cheaters. To avoid the plague of plagiarism that has swept our generation, you will sign a pact with your TA and fellow classmates that your lab report is the product of your own individual work, that the material presented has been created by you and properly cited, that the group contributed only in spirit and education, not in craftsmanship, and that no other person created or prepared your lab report. You will sign this pact by signing the First Page of the lab report, directly under your printed name.]

[Format regulations: must be typed, double spaced (not as shown), 10 or 12 font, Times New Roman or Arial, 1 inch margins, numbered, black ink, 81/2 x 11 printer or Xerox type paper, stapled, titled sections, untitled hypothesis, spell check, and grammar check]

Michael F. Walker (place your name here)
Your Signature Here
Microbiology MCB-2000L
Section #__ Date:
Lab Partners First and Last Name

A microscopic comparison of the cytological differences between Oscillatoria and the eukaryotic plant Elodea.
[The title must be original, clearly stated, and relevant to the study at hand.]

Abstract:

Visually there may be confusion when attempting to classify microscopic photosynthetic organisms by gross morphology alone, microscopic evaluation of cellular morphology is a useful tool. Here