AP Biology Laboratory Write-Up

Lab Write ups will be done in Keynote using the following format. Some sections may require
more than one slide to cover the required information. You should leave out sections that do not
apply the lab currently being completed.

Slide Number 1:
1. Title and Date of the experiment. Also be sure to include the your name and the
name of your partner/s

2. Question. What is the problem, or question that we are going to be investigating?

3. Research/Background. Prepare yourself for the investigation by collecting what

you already know about the topic. Use prior knowledge, textbook, lab sheet, or
information from class discussions. Summarize in your own words.

4. Hypothesis. Write a single, testable statement which predicts what you think the
answer to the question will be and why you think this. This should always be written in
the “If.... then..” format.

Slide Number 2:
Embed a video of you and your partner performing the Lab.

Slide Number 3:
1. Data Recording. During the lab, fill in your data tables and/or make your
sketches. Take a picture of your data or create tables and graphs electronically and
insert here.

2. Data Recording continued. Record all data accurately and using appropriate
units. Make graphs of your data when appropriate. Pick the best style for your data:
line, bar, or pie. Label both axis of your graph including units as well as a graph title.

Slide Number 4:
Calculations. Complete all necessary calculations for the lab. These should be done
in a clear and orderly fashion. Be sure to show all work, use units and be
accurate.
Slide Number 5:
Conclusion. Include all 5 parts listed below. Your conclusion length will vary
depending on the complexity of the lab and/or the results.
Restate the question being investigated as your topic sentence (example... “This
labwas conducted to investigate...)
Report and analyze findings from your data table. Identify and explain patterns in your
data, compare and contrast your findings, support or reject your hypothesis, and/or
compare your control and experimental conditions. (example: “The plant grown in the
condition with no light died on the fifth day, which demonstrates plants need light.
Plants use light to make food, therefore light is necessary for it to survive.)
Explore experimental inaccuracies and explain the consequences, as well as their effects
on your experiment.
Suggest and explain an everyday life application of the lab. Why are we studying this,
and how does it relate to us?
Include answers to any lab questions included in the original lab.
Reflection: What further questions do you have? What did you learn that was new or
interesting to you? What do you wonder about?