West York Science Department Lab Report Rubric
Student Name(s):     ________________________________________
CATEGORY		4	3	2	1
Abstract	Abstract	Abstract contains a clear summary of all other parts of the lab report in 100-150 words.	Abstract contains a summary of most of the other parts of the lab report and is 100-150 in length	Abstract contains a summary of some portions of the lab report and is 100-150 words in length	Abstract contains very little information from each of the other sections of the lab report and is 100-150 words in length
Introduction	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.
	Background Information	Several reputable background sources were used. Material is translated into student's own words and thorough information provided to explain concepts used in the lab.	A few reputable background sources are used. Material is translated into student's own words and adequate information provided to explain concepts used in the the lab.	Few background sources are used, but some are not reputable sources. Material is translated into student's own words and some of the conepts used in the lab are explained.	Material is directly quoted rather than put into students own words.  Few concepts used in the lab are explained.
	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.	Hypothesis is stated, but not directly related to variables being observed in the lab and/or hypothesis is based on flawed logic.
Methods	Materials	All materials and setup used in the experiment are clearly and accurately described.	Almost all materials and the setup used in the experiment are clearly and accurately described.	Most of the materials and the setup used in the experiment are accurately described.	Many materials are described inaccurately OR are not described at all.
	Replicability	Procedures are specific and replicable. Steps are outlined sequentially and are adequately detailed.	Procedures appear to be replicable. Steps are outlined and are adequately detailed.	All steps are outlined, but there is not enough detail to replicate procedures.	Several steps are not outlined AND there is not enough detail to replicate procedures.
	Experimental Design	Experimental design is a well-constructed test of the stated hypothesis.	Experimental design is adequate to test the hypothesis, but leaves some unanswered questions.	Experimental design is relevant to the hypothesis, but is not a complete test.	Experimental design is not relevant to the hypothesis.
	Drawings/Diagrams	Clear, accurate diagrams are included and make the experiment easier to understand. Diagrams are labeled neatly and accurately.	Diagrams are included and are labeled neatly and accurately.	Diagrams are included and are labeled.	Needed diagrams are missing OR are missing important labels.
Data/Calculations	Data	Professional looking and accurate representation of all 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. Or some data is missing.	Data are not shown OR are inaccurate.
	Qualitative Observations	Clear, accurate, dated, specific observations are recorded after each step of the procedure.	Dated, clear, accurate, specific observations are recorded after most steps of the procedure	Dated, general observations are taken occassionally, but accuracy of observations might be questionable.	Observations rarely taken or of little use.
	Calculations	Samples of each calculations are shown and the results are correct and labeled appropriately.	Some calculations are shown and the results are correct and labeled appropriately.	Some calculations are shown and the results labeled appropriately.	Most calculations are NOT shown OR results are inaccurate or mislabeled.
Discussion	Analysis & Interpretation	Correct conclusions are drawn from data.The specific relationship between the variables is discussed and trends/patterns logically analyzed. Graphs and statistical analysis are done (if applicable).	Correct conclusions are drawn from data. A general relationship between the variables is discussed and trends/patterns are identified. Graphs and statistical analysis are incomplete or inaccurate (if applicable).	Conclusions are drawn from data. Trends/patterns are identified but no or the incorrect relationship is discussed. Graphs and statistical analysis are incorrect (if applicable).	Conclusions are drawn from data. No trends/patterns are identified and no relationship is discussed. Graphs and statistical analysis are missing (if applicable).
	Error Analysis	Specific Experimental errors, their possible effects, and specific ways to reduce errors are discussed.	General Experimental errors, their possible effects, and general ways to reduce errors are discussed.	Experimental errors discussed. Missing possible effects OR ways to reduce errors.	Experimental errors mentioned.
	Conclusion	Conclusion includes whether the findings supported the hypothesis. Describes the knowledge acquired and how it relates to the background information.	Conclusion includes whether the findings supported the hypothesis and what was learned from the experiment.	Conclusion includes whether the findings supported the hypothesis OR what was learned from the experiment.	Conclusion was included in the report but shows little effort and reflection.
	Future Applications	Specific predictions are made about what might happen if part of the lab were changed and how the experimental design could be changed or extended. Applies knowledge to specific real life situations.	General predictions are made about what might happen if part of the lab were changed or how the experimental design could be changed. Applies knowledge to specific real life situations.	Some prediction is made about what might happen if part of the lab were changed or how the experimental design could be changed. Applies knowledge to general real life situations.	No Predictions are made about what might happen if part of the lab were changed or how the experimental design could be changed. No application to real life situations.
Format	Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar	Minimal errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar in the report.	Few errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar in the report.	Many errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar in the report distract the reader.	Extensive errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar in the report make meaning unclear.
	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.
	Total Score = ____________________ / 68
	Comments: