IB Physics: Outline of a Lab Report

1. Title Page : Include the name of the investigation, date, your name, partner’s name(s). Sometimes the
title page will be provided with important teacher instructions.

2. Purpose : State the problem or purpose of the experiment. Do not repeat the instructions of the
teacher!

3. Hypothesis: State and explain your hypothesis in this section of the report, along with any relevant
background information. The theory for the experiment can also be stated as it will likely
be involved in the hypothesis.

4. Variables: Select and describe appropriate independent, dependent, and fixed (controlled) variables
for the experiment.

5. Apparatus : This section describes the experimental apparatus using a list and a diagram or just a
labelled diagram. Peripheral instruments such as metre sticks and stopwatches should not be
drawn, but measured variables should be indicated on the diagram.

6. Method : The method should be written in numbered steps and in the past tense. The method should
be realistic and describe how the variables are controlled in the experiment. The method
should also describe how the collection of sufficient data would occur.

7. Data Collection : In this section you are required to collect raw data and present it clearly in a
TABLE. All tables should have a title and a brief description. All measurements within
the table should include appropriate units and uncertainties. The table should also
include any qualitative observations that were recorded.

8. Data Analysis : In this section you are required to process the raw data and present it properly. You
must show sample calculations that include units and uncertainties (where appropriate).
Graphs must be hand drawn in PENCIL on graph paper. Graphs should cover most of the
page and must include a title, labelled axes with units, error bars, and a line (or curve)
of best fit. Interpretation of graphical results must be included in this section (eg:
trends, calculation of slope, etc..)

9. Conclusion : This section should state briefly and clearly what the experimental data showed in relation
to the theory and/or the experimental hypothesis. Draw conclusions based on the
interpretation of results as well as comparing experimental values with accepted values.
Evaluate the method used and include comments on the limitations or weaknesses as well as
errors. Suggestions on how to improve or avoid the limitations and weaknesses should be
made. In dealing with errors it is not sufficient to simply list the sources but you should also
discuss briefly how each one affects the result(s).

10. Appendix : In this section you can show the complete derivation of the theoretical formula (if
required), and acknowledge any assistance you have had from other sources (authors, titles
and page numbers).