Create a title page which should include: the title of the experiment, your complete name and the names of all of your lab partners if pertinent, your professor’s name and the date of the experiment. Keep in mind that the title of your experiment should be concise and to the point yet fully explain its purpose.
Write an effective introduction by clearly stating why your experiment is significant, what theoretical framework is used and how it fits into the overall method of chemistry. According to the California State University at Bakersfield lab report outline, introductions should reflect an understanding of the theory behind each operation and clearly state the purpose of the experiment. Include any necessary background information about the subject, procedure and experiment being performed. Conclude your introduction with a hypothesis of the expected outcome of the experiment and explain your reasons for this outcome.
Create a "Materials and Hazards” section by including all the materials, chemicals, physical properties and hazards in the experiment. Use a well-defined yet easy to interpret table for listing information, and only include equipment if it is not standard or if workings may affect the outcome of the experiment. Remember to reference all physical properties.
Write a step-by-step “Procedure” section that details how you performed the experiment. Always use the past tense to create your procedure section. Your procedure should contain all the necessary information to achieve the same results of your experiment. According to the Reed College Laboratory Report Instructions, an experienced scientist should be able to replicate your experiment after reading this section of your lab report.
Design your “Data” section of the lab report to include anything you observed or collected during the experiment. Data should be formatted into a table and additional information such as interpretations or calculations of the experiment should not be included in this section of your report.
Create your “Results” section by including calculations used to interpret your data. Provide an explanation of your results to support your hypothesis. If your results do not support your hypothesis, theorize why you achieved differing results and how the experiment could be performed differently.
Write a concise “Conclusion” section that summarizes the results of the experiment. Conclusions are generally one paragraph in length, and may be one to two sentences for short labs.
Conclude your chemistry lab report with a “References” section if applicable and/or required. Reference sections should include any sources, including a text book, used to prepare your lab report.