Lab 0: Lab Report Writing Guide
Week of Tue, Sep 1 · lab closes Mon, Sep 7
This lab's items
Exact due times are in Canvas. Late assignments are not accepted without a valid, documented reason. Make-up assignments are not given without valid documentation.
Know these cold
- A lab report communicates what you did, what you found, and what it means. Prof. Ring grades on clarity, completeness, and connection to environmental biology concepts — not on whether your results matched a 'right answer.'
- HYPOTHESIS — Write your hypothesis before you start the lab. Format: 'If [independent variable], then [dependent variable will change in this way] because [scientific reason].' It must be testable. Wrong hypotheses are not wrong lab reports — they are learning.
- METHODS — Describe what you did in enough detail that someone else could repeat your experiment. List materials used, steps taken in order, and how you controlled variables. Do not copy the instructions verbatim — paraphrase in past tense.
- DATA TABLE — Organize your raw numbers before you analyze anything. Use column headers with units (e.g., pH, container number, observation time). Qualitative observations belong in a 'Notes' column. Never round data in the table — round only in your analysis.
- ANALYSIS — This is where you interpret the data, not just restate it. Calculate averages, percentages, or rates as the lab asks. Compare your results to your hypothesis. Use environmental biology vocabulary from the unit concept notes. Cite the OER or class content when you explain a mechanism.
- CONCLUSION — Answer three questions: (1) Did your results support your hypothesis? Why or why not? (2) What are two possible sources of error in your experiment? (3) How do your results connect to a real-world environmental issue? One to two paragraphs.
- QUANTITATIVE DATA is measured in numbers with units (pH 4.2, temperature 22°C, 15 grams). QUALITATIVE DATA describes qualities you observe (color change to orange, fizzing, surface film visible). Both types belong in your data table.
- CONTROLLED VARIABLES are kept the same across all trials so they do not interfere with your results. The INDEPENDENT VARIABLE is what you deliberately change. The DEPENDENT VARIABLE is what you measure in response.
- SOURCES OF ERROR: distinguish between random error (unpredictable variation in measurement — use more trials to reduce), systematic error (consistent offset from a flawed setup — redesign to eliminate), and human error (mistakes — be honest and specific, not just 'human error').
- SUBMISSION: submit as a Word document or PDF through Canvas. Pages files do not work well in Canvas. Name your file: LastName_BIO1120_Lab1.docx. Keep a copy for yourself before submitting.
Discussion and forum — how to show up
Netiquette from the syllabus: address ideas, not people. Complete sentences, correct spelling. Personal matters go to email, never the board.
Meerk's quiz — open the Lab 0 gate
10 questions, no time limit. 85% on your first attempt in a 24-hour window opens the gate. Retakes inside the window are practice — they help you learn, they don't count. Work alone; the point is to know it, not to have seen it.
Dinner Table Question
Ask at home: Think about a time you tried something that didn't work as expected — how did you figure out what went wrong? That process is basically what scientists do.
En español: Piensa en una vez que intentaste algo que no funcionó como esperabas — ¿cómo descubriste qué salió mal? Ese proceso es básicamente lo que hacen los científicos.