Part 1: Lab Reports
Some of your science classes at Millersville University will require you to complete lab reports
or term papers for simple experiments to show that you understand the scientific method. The
scientific method usually includes (1) an Introduction section, (2) a Materials and Methods
section, (3) a Results section, (4) a Discussion section and a Literature Cited section.
The goal of a lab report should be to simply present the facts. The goal of science is truth,
thus no persuasion is necessary in this type of document.
Overall writing formats or guidelines for these lab reports should include the following:
1. The reports should be typed and double-spaced using a computer. Reports should be in
12 point size, Times New Roman style, have 1 inch margins, and organized neatly for the
reader to understand your experiment.
2. Correct spelling and grammar is a must, and the report should be written in complete
sentences (with subject and verb). Points may be deducted for incorrect spelling and
grammar.
3. Past tense should be used whenever writing about what you did in lab, since what you did
happened in the past.
5. Each section should be labeled with the appropriate heading (Introduction, Materials and
Methods, Results, Discussion, Literature Cited).
6. Do not plagiarize (the "wrongful appropriation" and "stealing and publication" of
another author's "language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions" and the representation of
them as one's own original work).
7. To help with clarity: proof-read, then have somebody else proof-read, and then
proof-read again.
The Following page begins an example lab write-up. Comments throughout this example
outline the reasoning for the writing style and further details on how to follow a proper
scientific writing style. THIS EXAMPLE IS TEXT LIGHT FOR YOUR BENEFIT.
YOUR PAPER WILL HAVE MORE SOURCES AND WAY MORE TEXT FOR EACH
SECTION.
