Why use Lab Report Templates? The use of template outlines and tips has been used in laboratories for years. It is now also widely accepted in the scientific, academic, and medical communities. A recent survey showed that more than 75% of medical and science journals accept articles. It includes at least one Lab Report template or some form of outline.
It may seem obvious why such recognition and wide acceptance would be the result of using templates. Many scientists do not realize that it can help to dramatically cut down on time spent reporting data.
When a researcher spends a great deal of time conducting a single study, the time spent on writing up lab reports can be quite lengthy. However, by following certain guidelines, one can significantly shorten the time spent. He/she can still come out with a very valuable, original piece of research.
Here are some guidelines on when to use Lab Report Templates:
When you find a template that you like, you want to be sure it is a good match for the kind of project you are working on. For example, when using chemical templates, you will want to choose a lab report template that is specific to your chemistry laboratory. Chemical templates should contain all of the information required to conduct the experiments properly. For example, instead of choosing a chemical template that is general and generic, choose one that specifically pertains to your areas of study, such as organic chemistry, or the properties of resins.
When using the lab report templates, be sure you have the right one. Many times, people choose templates because they are the right color, they are the right size, etc. But the templates should be according to the particular project. For example, you would not use a poster template to conduct a molecular biology laboratory research project.
It is important to consider the information you are going to present with your report template. For example, if you are going to conduct a structural biology experiment on a molecular biology paper, the information has to flow organically with the rest of the presentation. Therefore, in the “specimens and methods” section of the lab report templates, you must provide a narrative summary of the experiment.
However, if you are to include a picture of a structural protein or DNA, you will need to include the procedure as well as the final result in your narrative. If you cannot include all the information needed in the presentation, you may be asked to redo the experiment, which could cost you additional time.
Most of the time, you will be able to find lab report templates that include everything you need. It should include a body, figure legends, figure graphs, data tables, and references. However, if you find that the experiment needs a more polished look, it is possible to add text to the template. This can either be descriptive text, or a description of the experimental setup and results. You can write it, just like a letter to the editor. Some templates allow you to write handwritten notes.
When you are looking for Biology lab report templates online, you may want to search for reports that have an easy-to-read format, are color-friendly, and contain black-and-white illustrations and text boxes. However, make sure you also look at the number of figures and data in the template so you know exactly what you need to include in your formal report. The more figures and data included in a formal report, the longer it will be.
Another thing to consider when looking for Biology lab report templates is whether they include steps to create a peer review and letters of acknowledgment. If the template you are looking at doesn’t have these features, likely, the person who created it didn’t put quite enough thought into it to include them. It is okay to download free templates online, in this way you can also use the project status report samples to highlight your current lab work along with lab reports. However, you don’t want to get one that doesn’t have everything you need. Your research should be comprehensive and complete.
