Chapter 2. Writing Lab

Abstract

Lab 10 Pre-Lab—Abstract
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The abstract is a brief summary of the laboratory report or paper. The abstract is normally 250 words or less. It should include the hypothesis and a very brief background (from the introduction), how the experiment was done (from the materials and methods), the significant results (from the results), and conclusions (from the discussion). The abstract is written after the report or paper is completed and is written in past tense.

An example of an abstract from the aforementioned experiment may read as follows:

Elodea canadensis is a native North American aquatic plant. Water clarity can determine the light intensity available to these plants. E. canadensis was tested for photosynthesis levels at various light intensities. Photosynthesis rate was determined using oxygen bubble production at various distances from a constant light source. Photosynthesis rates were statistically less when the light was at the farthest distance, 45 cm, from E. canadensis. Water clarity in University Lake and Campus Lake was monitored two times during the year using Secchi disk readings. University Lake had seasonal variation, with water clarity higher in the spring than the fall. Campus Lake was not as clear as University Lake. Water clarity could reduce the light intensity reaching Elodea canadensis based on the season and the lake.