Physical Science Lab Report Rubric

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Purpose

1 pt     Purpose of the lab was clearly stated

0 pts    Purpose of the lab was not clearly stated

 

Hypothesis

2 pts    Hypothesis was reasonable and testable

1 pt     Hypothesis was reasonable, but not testable

0 pts    Hypothesis was not reasonable or testable

 

METHODS

Exponential Design

1 pt     The independent and dependent variables were correctly identified

0 pts    The variables were not correctly identified

 

Materials

1 pt     All of the materials used in the lab were listed

0 pts    Items used in the lab were not included in the list

 

Procedure

3 pts    Procedure clearly explained how ALL data in the lab was collected.  All the steps needed to complete the lab from start to finish were listed by the student in chronological order.

2 pts    Procedure explained how most of the data was collected.  The majority of the steps needed to complete the lab were listed in a reasonable order.  Student did not mention one or more minor details of the lab; such as: data was recorded, a graph was made or slope was calculated.

1 pt     Procedure only explained a few of the steps used to complete the lab.  Process was disjointed – several key components of the procedure were omitted.

0 pts    The lab could not be completed based on the procedure that was written.

 

Diagram(s)

1 pt     Diagram(s) were included

0 pts    Diagram(s) were not included

 

RESULTS

Written Observations

2 pts    Written observations recorded during the lab process were included as an attachment.  Attachment page number was cited.

1 pt     Written observations recorded during the lab process were included as an attachment. 

0 pts    Written observations were not included

 

 

Chemical Equations

2 pts    All chemical equations / formulas relevant to the understanding of the lab were included. 

1 pt     Some chemical equations / formulas relevant to the understanding of the lab were included. 

0 pts    Chemical Equations were not included

 

Data Tables

2 pts    Data tables were completed and page number was cited

1 pt     Data tables were completed, but not cited

0 pts    Data tables not completed or cited

 

Calculations

3 pts    All calculation names, formulas & page numbers were referenced

2 pts    Some calculation names, formulas & page numbers were referenced

1 pt     Calculation names, formulas, but page number was not referenced

0 pts    Calculation names or formulas were omitted

 

Graphs

3 pts    Graph included all required material: Title, axes labeled appropriately, axes were scaled appropriately, points were plotted & a best fit line was drawn

2 pts    Title was missing, unit was not included on axes, best fit line was not drawn (or was drawn poorly)

1 pt     Axes were switched or points were plotted incorrectly

0 pts    Graph was not done

 

Discussion

Data Analysis

3 pts    Trends found in the data table were identified and explained using numerical examples (from tables)

2 pts    Trends found in the data table were identified and explained.  Numerical examples were not included.

1pt      Trends were not appropriately explained, more information was needed.

0 pts    Trends found in the data table were not identified and explained

 

Graphical Analysis

3 pts    A General equation was identified.  All variables on graph were properly identified and substituted into the general equation.  Logical and sequential steps were followed to determine a specific equation related to the lab material.  A specific equation was stated.

2 pts    One of the following was not completed or done poorly: 

·         General equation was identified

·         Variables on graph were properly identified

·         Variable on graph were substituted into the general equation 

·         Logical and sequential steps were followed to determine a specific equation related to the lab material. 

·         A specific equation was stated.

1pt      Same as 2pts however, two or more points were completed poorly.

0 pts    Graphical Analysis was not completed or specific equation stated could not be verified based on data collected.

 

Error Analysis

3 pts    Error present in the lab process was documented, possible solutions to error were given, and percent error was stated.

2 pts    Error present in the lab process was documented; possible solutions to error were given. Percent error was not stated.

1pt      Errors present in the lab process were not fully documented, human error was stated as a possible source of error.  Solutions to errors stated were not given.  Percent error was stated.

0 pts    Error present in the lab process was not fully documented, human error was stated as a possible source of error.  Solutions to errors stated were not given.  Percent error not was stated.

 

Evaluation of Hypothesis

3 pts    Hypothesis was restated, agrees with hypothesis at beginning of lab, and accepted as true or false based on lab data

2 pts    Hypothesis was restated and agrees with hypothesis at beginning of lab.  The data collected in the lab does not support the writer’s decision to accept hypothesis as true or false.

1pt      Hypothesis was restated, but does not match hypothesis stated at beginning of lab.

0 pts    Hypothesis was not restated.

 

Concluding Statement

3 pts    Concluding statement contains the following:

·         Restates the purpose of the lab

·         States if the lab was a success (was the purpose of the lab obtained)

·         States if the lab is reliable (is the data correct)

·         States if the lab could be repeated (if done again would the same results be obtained)

2 pts    One of the above is missing from the concluding statement

1pt      Two of the above are missing from the concluding statement

0 pts    Concluding statement is incomplete or missing.

 

Language

3 pts    Entire lab report is written in past tense

2 pts    One section of the lab report was written in present tense

1 pt     Two sections of the lab report were written in present tense

0 pts    Several sections of the lab report were written in present tense

 

Personal References

3 pts    Entire lab report is written with no personal references

2 pts    One section of the lab report contained personal references

1pt      Two sections of the lab report contained personal references

0 pts    Several sections of the lab report contained personal references

 

Format

3 pts    Entire lab report is formatted correctly into Main sections of INTRODUCTION, METHODS, RESULTS & DISCUSSION with appropriate subheadings

2 pts    One section of the lab report was not formatted correctly with appropriate subheadings

1pt      Two sections of the lab report were not formatted correctly with appropriate subheadings

0 pts    Several sections of the lab report were not formatted correctly