CATEGORY

4

3

2

1

Introduction/Background

Introduction provides an explanation of the underlying background and theory needed for the experiment.

Introduction provides an explanation of  the background needed to understand the experiment.

Introduction provides a partial explanation of the background needed to understand the experiment.

Introduction of the lab is irrelevant or does not provide the reader information in order to understand the lab.

Question/Purpose

The purpose of the lab or the question to be answered during the lab is clearly identified and stated.

The purpose of the lab or the question to be answered during the lab is identified, but is stated in a somewhat unclear manner.

The purpose of the lab or the question to be answered during the lab is partially identified, and is stated in a somewhat unclear manner.

The purpose of the lab or the question to be answered during the lab is erroneous or irrelevant.

Experimental Hypothesis

Hypothesized relationship between the variables and the predicted results is clear and reasonable based on what has been studied.

Hypothesized relationship between the variables and the predicted results is reasonable based on general knowledge and observations.

Hypothesized relationship between the variables and the predicted results has been stated, but appears to be based on flawed logic.

No hypothesis has been stated.

Design

Procedures appear to be replicable. Steps are outlined sequentially and are adequately detailed. All materials used are listed.

Procedures appear to be replicable. Steps are outlined and are adequately detailed. Materials used are listed OR inaccurately listed.

All steps are outlined, but there is not enough detail to replicate procedures. Some materials used are listed.

Several steps are not outlined AND there is not enough detail to replicate procedures. Some OR no materials listed.

Variables

Independent and dependent variables are clearly stated. Control and experimental group included when appropriate. Controlled variables listed.

All variables are clearly described with most relevant details.

Most variables are clearly described with most relevant details.

Variables are not described OR the majority lack sufficient detail.

Data

Professional looking and accurate representation of the data in tables and/or graphs. Graphs and tables are labeled and titled.

Accurate representation of the data in tables and/or graphs. Graphs and tables are labeled and titled.

Accurate representation of the data in written form, but no graphs or tables are presented.

Data are not shown OR are inaccurate.

Conclusion

Conclusion includes whether the findings supported the hypothesis, possible sources of error, and what was learned from the experiment.

Conclusion includes whether the findings supported the hypothesis and what was learned from the experiment.

Conclusion includes what was learned from the experiment.

No conclusion was included in the report OR shows little effort and reflection.

CATEGORY

4

3

2

1

Scientific Concepts

Report illustrates an accurate and thorough understanding of scientific concepts underlying the lab.

Report illustrates an accurate understanding of most scientific concepts underlying the lab.

Report illustrates a limited understanding of scientific concepts underlying the lab.

Report illustrates inaccurate understanding of scientific concepts underlying the lab.

Safety

Lab is carried out with full attention to relevant safety procedures. The set-up, experiment, and tear-down posed no safety threat to any individual.

Lab is generally carried out with attention to relevant safety procedures. The set-up, experiment, and tear-down posed no safety threat to any individual, but one safety procedure needs to be reviewed.

Lab is carried out with some attention to relevant safety procedures. The set-up, experiment, and tear-down posed no safety threat to any individual, but several safety procedures need to be reviewed.

Safety procedures were ignored and/or some aspect of the experiment posed a threat to the safety of the student or others.

Appearance/Organization

Lab report is typed and uses headings and subheadings to visually organize the material.

Lab report is neatly handwritten and uses headings and subheadings to visually organize the material.

Lab report is neatly written or typed, but formatting does not help visually organize the material.

Lab report is handwritten and looks sloppy with cross-outs, multiple erasures and/or tears and creases.

Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar

One or fewer errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar in the report.

Two or three errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar in the report.

Four errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar in the report.

More than 4 errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar in the report.