CATEGORY

4

3

2

1

Components of the report

All required elements are present and additional elements that add to the report (e.g., thoughtful comments, graphics) have been added.

All required elements are present.

One required element is missing, but additional elements that add to the report (e.g., thoughtful comments, graphics) have been added.

Several required elements are missing.

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.

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.

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.

Procedures

Procedures section has been cut out and glued neatly into lab book.

Procedures section has been cut out and glued neatly into lab book, but it is messy or sloppy.

Procedures section has been cut out, but it is not in the lab book.

Procedures section is missing.

Materials

Procedures section has been cut out and glued neatly into lab book.

Materials section has been cut out and glued neatly into lab book, but it is messy or sloppy.

Materials section has been cut out, but it is not in the lab book.

Materials section is missing.

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.

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.

Participation

Used time well in lab and focused attention on the experiment.

Used time pretty well. Stayed focused on the experiment most of the time.

Did the lab but did not appear very interested. Focus was lost on several occasions.

Participation was minimal, OR student was oppositional about participating.