Organization (nb) Each page is dated and numbered consecutively. The table of contents is detailed, current, and accurate. Continuation notes are used when necessary. missing from high elements missing from high Neatness (nb) Handwriting is legible throughout the entry. Blank spaces are properly voided with initials and date. All corrections are one line through, initialed, and dated. missing from high elements missing from high Purpose (nb) The purpose of the experiment is clearly stated. The purpose of the experiment is stated. The purpose of the experiment is stated incorrectly or not included. Methods and Data Collection (nb) The laboratory procedure is recorded in enough detail to repeat the experiment without a separate protocol sheet. Tables, sketches, and graphs are used appropriately to display and clarify data. All calculations are accurate and work is shown. Data is recorded for ALL parts of the experiment. missing from high elements missing from high
Summary (nb) The student clearly summarizes the overall findings and observations made in the experiment. The student summarizes the overall findings and observations in the experiment. A summary is not included at the end of the lab notebook entry. Cover Page A cover page with the title of the experiment, student s name, course title, and date is included. A cover page is included but one or more elements are No cover page is included. Introduction The student gives a thorough description of the scientific principles relevant to the experiment. The appropriate information is covered in depth without being redundant. There is a brief description of the purpose of the experiment, the techniques used, and the hypothesis. *All background Information is described in the present tense.
Materials & Methods A list of materials is included at the beginning of the section. Methods are described in paragraph form, thoroughly enough to repeat the experiment without using a separate protocol sheet. Modifications to the procedure are noted and explained. *Past tense is used throughout this section. Results All results and observations are described thoroughly, in paragraph form, with references to figures and tables where appropriate. Tables, sketches, and graphs are included when necessary to clarify data or observations. Graphs are appropriate for the type of data being displayed. *Past tense is used throughout this section.
Discussion The student indicates whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted, and gives evidence to support this conclusion. Results are interpreted in terms of the underlying scientific principles. Possible sources of error, reasons for unexpected results, and possible improvements are thoroughly described. **Background information is stated in the present tense, while references to the experiment are stated in the past tense.
Clarity and Quality of Writing Writing is crisp, clear, and succinct. The writer incorporates active and passive voice when appropriate. The use of modifiers, parallel construction, and scientific language are appropriate. There is a general flow from one paragraph to the next, with transitions tying together adjacent paragraphs and sections. The appropriate tense is used throughout. Writing is generally clear, but unnecessary words are occasionally used OR There are some grammatical and/or spelling errors OR Paragraph or sentence structure is too repetitive OR There is a basic flow from one section to the next, but not all paragraphs follow in a natural or logical order. The report appears to have no direction, with adjacent paragraphs seeming disjointed OR It is hard to know what the writer is trying to express. Writing is convoluted. Misspelled words, incorrect grammar, and improper punctuation distract the reader from the content. References and In-Text Citations Sources are cited within the text when specific statements are made. References matched the citations, and proper MLA/ Harvard style/numerical format was used. Citations within the body of the report and a corresponding reference list were presented. Some formatting problems exist, or some citations are In-text citations were not present, OR references listed were not cited in the text. Timeliness Average Score The report was submitted on time. ------------------- The report was submitted one day late.
Grades will be converted using the following scale: 3 in every category! = A+! (100) 2.9-3.0!! = A! (95) 2.7-2.8!! = A-! (92) 2.6!!! = B+! (88) 2.4-2.5!! = B! (85) 2.2-2.3!! = B-! (82) 2.1!!! = C+! (78) 2.0!!! = C! (75) 1.8-1.9!!! = C-! (72) <1.8!!! = F! (55) Any report that is found to be plagiarized, or the product of another student s work will be given a zero.