CHE 423: Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory

Report Guidelines

Format

Your laboratory report is similar to a scientific report of original research as found in the chemical literature. Each section should be set off by a heading.

Title

The title clearly identifies the experiment, the author, and coworkers.

Abstract

Provide a one paragraph summary of the experiment, your results and conclusions. It should be different from the Conclusion.

Introduction

The introduction presents the purpose and background to the experiment. Tell the reader what you are trying to accomplish in this investigation. Include an introduction to the theory behind the experiment and any special apparatus that was used. It should not summarize data like a conclusion.

Experimental Section

Describe the details of how you performed the experiments. All of the directions should be easy to follow so someone else could repeat your work.

Results

Give all data collected. You may want to organize the data in tables or graphs if appropriate. Make sure to include units (seconds, cm, mL). Clearly but briefly state your observations (color changes, fizzing, heat given off, etc.). Your observations should be based on the data you collect. Include sample calculations.

Discussion

Build on the description of the results from the previous section by discussing the implications. For example, address the following types of questions: what do the results mean, how do they impact the purpose of the experiment, how do they relate to the theory you learned in class, what errors may have impacted the results. Explanations should use appropriate scientific terms and concepts. Here is where you would answer any questions proposed in the laboratory handout.

Conclusions and Summary

Summarize your data and observations. Conclusions are logical explanations of all of your data.

In addition, comments on the laboratory experience. Include any suggestions for improvement, places where the directions were confusing, improvements you made in the procedure, anything you found interesting, etc.

References

Use correct ACS style for citations.

The writing mechanics (spelling, grammar, neatness) will also be evaluated.

Grading

The point distribution will be as follows:

Title 3

Abstract 7

Introduction 25

Experimental 10

Data/Results 20

Discussion 20

Conclusions 8

Style/Neatness 3

References 4

Total 100

A 10%/week penalty will be assessed on all late lab reports.

More Information

A Short Guide to Writing About Chemistry, Herbert Beall and John Trimbur

http://www.acs.org/education/cpt/ts_rrguide.html

The ACS Style Guide. American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, 1986 (in the library reference section

An example of how not to write a lab report (warning—contains expletives):

http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~kovar/hall.html