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.