Unit 4 - How to Write a Lab Report

Unit Objectives

This unit introduces students to the process of writing a lab report; students learn about each individual component and how to write each section.

Unit Teacher Notes

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Lesson 1 (55 minutes)

This lesson introduces students to the lab report rubric. They work in groups to evaluate examples of good and bad lab reports.

Outcomes

  • Understand the different components of a lab report

  • Identify and describe the characteristics of a good lab report

Lesson 2.1 (55 minutes)

Students work in pairs to complete a Density project and write a lab report.

Outcomes

  • Practice translating a project into a formal lab report

Common Core Standards

Common Core Standard Student Action
RST.11-12.9 Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments, simulations) into a coherent understanding of a process, phenomenon, or concept, resolving conflicting information when possible Students use provided information to write lab reports on the density project.
SL.9-10.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task. Students work in pairs to write a lab report for the density project.

Lesson 2.2 (55 minutes)

Students learn about Google Search Skills and rewrite the “Introduction” portion of the lab report.

Outcomes

  • Demonstrate Google search skills

  • Synthesize information from various sources to write an Introduction

Common Core Standards

Common Core Standard Student Action
RST.11-12.9 Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments, simulations) into a coherent understanding of a process, phenomenon, or concept, resolving conflicting information when possible Students use information from their Google searches to write an Introduction for their lab reports.
SL.9-10.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task. Students work in pairs to write an Introduction for the lab report for the density project.

Lesson 2.3 (55 minutes)

Students work in small groups completing a mini project to learn about the “Methods” section of a lab report.

Outcomes

  • Understand the characteristics that make a “Methods” section repeatable and specific

Common Core Standards

Common Core Standard Student Action
W.9-10.2.D Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic. Students critique “methods” during the mini project for repeatability and specificity.

Lesson 2.4 (55 minutes)

Students learn about calculations, redo Density Project, and rewrite the “Methods” and “Results” portions of the lab report.

Outcomes

  • Understand the process of recording and reporting accurate and detailed results.

Common Core Standards

Common Core Standard Student Action
W.9-10.2.D Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic. Students record and report detailed results
SL.9-10.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task. Students work in pairs to record and report detailed results

Lesson 2.5 (55 minutes)

Students learn about the Discussion component of a lab report and rewrite their “Discussion” portion

Outcomes

  • Understand the process of writing the discussion section of a lab report

Common Core Standards

Common Core Standard Student Action
W.9-10.2.D Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic. Students work in groups to write a discussion section of a lab report.
SL.9-10.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task. Students work in groups to write a discussion section of a lab report.

Lesson 2.6 (55 minutes)

Students Learn about Presentation Skills and create a presentation for their project.

Outcomes

  • Use technology to communicate effectively in various settings and contexts

Common Core Standards

Common Core Standard Student Action
SL.9-10.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task. Students work in groups to create and present a presentation on the density lab.

Lesson 3 (30 minutes)

Quiz on the unit

Outcomes

  • Check for understanding