IHS / IB Biology HL

Laboratory Reports & Internal Assessments in

IB Biology
© International Baccalaureate Organization. Revised Aug 2013
Through studying IB Biology HL Years 1 and 2, students become aware of how scientists work and
communicate with each other. While the “scientific method” takes on a wide variety of forms, it
generally comprises the formation, testing, and modification of hypotheses under the controlled
conditions of an experiment. We document our experimental work by writing lab reports in a specific
format (see below). Select reports will be marked as Internal Assessments (IAs).

Content of IB Bio lab reports

1. Title - please use the same title as that used on the lab directions handout.
2. Research question, focused, e.g. What is the effect of [independent variable or IDV]
on [dependent variable or DV]? An experiment should have only one IDV, but can have
multiple DVs; at least one DV should be quantitative (counted or expressed
numerically).
3. Background or theory that puts the research question in context, stated concisely. If
research is
incorporated into the background, sources need to be internally cited and in MLA format
The first 7 in a Works Cited .
sections of the 4. Hypothesis (prediction) and explanation
report constitute
5. Variables chart – This is where we identify variables with the potential to invalidate
the PRE-LAB
the results of our experiment, point out what they could do, and propose ways to keep
They are written
them from doing that. Imagine that the sample variables chart below is part of an
before doing the
experiment to answer, "How does keeping its tires properly inflated (pressure given in
lab, and cannot
owner’s manual) affect a Honda Insight’s gas mileage?"
be recopied.
The original
pre-lab Experimental Variables Units used to measure
becomes part of Independent variable: Tire pressure Pounds per square inch
the final report. Dependent variable: Gas mileage Miles per gallon
Relevant Effect of the variables on the outcome Plans to control (mitigate the
Without a controlled of the experiment if we ignored them effects of) these variables
complete pre- variables
lab, you pose a Driving Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration, hard The same driver, Betty, will do all
habits braking) wastes gas. Driving at or below the speed the driving.
safety risk to limit conserves gas.
yourself and Cruise By maintaining a more constant speed, cruise control Whenever speeds of 60 mph are
others and you control saves gas. attained, Betty will use cruise
control.
cannot work in
Weight of Because it makes the engine work harder, keeping Items carried in the car (not
the lab. the car heavy items in the car reduces fuel economy. including driver) will not exceed
25 lbs.

6. Methods – This section consists of a detailed list of the materials you need for one
trial of the
experiment, the numbered, step-by-step procedure you plan to follow (not a set of
directives to another),
and a labeled diagram or photograph of your complete set-up showcasing your IDV.

7. Ready-to-use data table(s) for raw data collection. Record data by hand
during the lab.
Your raw data table needs to appear on its own page. Submit sketches and/or photos
on unlined white paper.

8. Data processing – e.g. combining and manipulating raw data to determine the value
AFTER the lab, of a physical quantity,
you write these
3 additional
sections
 taking the average of several measurements, transforming data into a form suitable for
graphical presentation,
conducting a statistical test, etc. Present the data so that all stages to the final result
can be followed. Include
a treatment of uncertainties with processed data where relevant.

9. Conclusion and evaluation – includes research to explain the biology behind your
results and validate
your conclusion by comparing your results with others’ work.
10. Works cited – Give full citations for all internally cited references using MLA format.

Format of IB Bio lab reports

 The above 10 sections should appear in chronological order (in the order shown above), even if it
means leaving part of a page blank. In other words, do not put your procedure before your hypothesis!
 If the laboratory report is an Internal Assessment, it must be word-processed.
 Submit your reports on single-sided, consecutively numbered 8.5-in by 11-in paper.
 Do not staple the report. Put your name on page 1, initial all other pages, and paper clip them
together.