How to write a Materials list for a lab report

What is this thing called??!

The first step in writing down all the materials and equipment you used in an experiment, or plan to use if you are designing an investigation, is making sure you know what each bit of kit is called! It sounds obvious, but often students understandably get confused, have missed labs, or don’t go to the lab very often, so the names of equipment can be hard to remember, spell, or even search for on Google. 

Now, remember scientists and teachers are busy people, so we don’t want to spend time writing down long descriptive lists, so depending what year you are in, the amount of detail needed changes. However, Materials lists are always brief and you shouldn't need to write much. Just stick to the Golden Rule of Writing Lab Reports: Write Clearly and Concisely. Concise means don’t write down stuff you don’t need to. 

For example, there is no need to write down why you need a piece of equipment, which is a common mistake many students make. Just tell the reader of your lab report what you used, how many of them you used, and maybe how big and accurate they were, depending on what year you are in. Salt solutions are commonly used in labs to help students familiarise  themselves with the names of laboratory equipment, how to use them and basic lab protocols and procedures. 

The following examples use the preparation of salt solutions as an example that you can use to see how a Materials list is written in most lab reports.

A simple list

This is how you might be expected to write your Materials list when you first start going to the lab. If your teacher insists you also include the safety equipment you use (for example lab coat, safety glasses, etc.), then add them to the list as well.

A detailed list

This is the type of list you may need to write to get the top marks when you are performing experiments in the lab that require you to produce more precise results. That means that your Materials (and other parts of the lab report!) need to be more detailed.

A comprehensive list

For older students who need to consider Error and Accuracy in their lab reports, a Materials list can include the uncertainties that are marked on the pieces of lab equipment.

Check your list before you move onto the Methods

Before you do any more writing, read your list and ask yourself: 

Can someone else read this and get exactly what they need to do the same experiment? 

If the answer is no, why not? What else do you need to include? Remember, you don’t need to write lots, just be clear.

Use the following checklist: 

• Does the list use bullet points or numbers? (Use whichever your teacher/school always uses in their lists.

• Is the list all in the same font/size of text? (Sometimes you might copy and paste the name of a piece of equipment and it changes your text)

• Is the list content consistent (Is each line similar in appearance? i.e., is the order the same—Size, Name, Number used—for example)

• Is everything necessary  listed? (Have you missed some important items or written down some that you don’t need to include, like a notebook?)

If you are stuck on any part of this, or you need help for a specific problem, feel free to get in touch with our ABEL experts!

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